The Choctaw: Tragedy and Exploration in the Depths of Lake Huron
In the annals of Great Lakes maritime history, the story of the Choctaw stands as a testament to both the perils and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of Lake Huron. Built in 1892 by Cleveland Shipbuilding in Cleveland, Ohio, this propeller monitor was a unique vessel with a distinctive whaleback-like design. However, its fate would be sealed on a fateful day in July 1915, when it collided with another ship and sank off the coast of Presque Isle, Michigan.
The Choctaw was a steel bulk freighter measuring 267 feet in length, 38 feet in width, and 18 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 1,574 and a net tonnage of 1,256. Owned by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, the ship had a crew of 20 and was primarily used for freight service on Lake Huron. However, its final voyage would be marred by tragedy and loss.
On July 12, 1915, the Choctaw found itself engulfed in a thick fog near Presque Isle. It was in this impenetrable haze that the vessel collided with the British steam screw Wahcondah. The impact was devastating, and the Choctaw quickly began to sink. Within just 22 minutes, the ship disappeared beneath the waves, taking with it any hopes of salvaging its cargo or repairing the vessel.
Miraculously, there were no lives lost in the collision. The crew of the Choctaw was rescued by the Wahcondah, which had sustained less damage in the incident. The loss of the Choctaw was a significant blow to the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, as the vessel was valued at $85,000 and insured for $80,000. It marked the end of a chapter for the ship and added another tragic tale to the lore of Lake Huron.
The sinking of the Choctaw was not the vessel’s first brush with disaster. In May 1896, it had collided with the steamer L.C. Waldo in the St. Mary’s River, resulting in its sinking on a shoal. Fortunately, there were no casualties in that incident either, but it highlighted the perils that ships faced in the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Today, the wreck of the Choctaw rests in approximately 200 feet of water off the coast of Presque Isle. It serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface and the challenges faced by sailors navigating these unpredictable waters. While the ship itself may be lost to the depths, its story lives on, captivating the imaginations of divers and historians who seek to uncover the secrets of Lake Huron.
In recent years, expeditions have been conducted in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, located in Lake Huron, to map unexplored areas and discover new shipwrecks. These explorations have shed light on the historical significance of the region and helped to protect and preserve the underwater cultural heritage sites that dot the lake floor. The wreck of the Choctaw serves as a tangible connection to the past, reminding us of the human stories behind these sunken vessels.
As researchers continue to delve into the depths of Lake Huron, they unravel the mysteries of the Great Lakes and the tragedies that have unfolded beneath their waves. The legacy of the Choctaw and other lost ships serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the need to respect and appreciate the power of these vast bodies of water.
The Choctaw may be lost to time, but its story remains an enduring part of Great Lakes history. It serves as a cautionary tale
of the dangers faced by ships and crews on the unpredictable waters of Lake Huron. The collision that led to its sinking serves as a reminder of the need for caution and vigilance when navigating foggy conditions, even with modern navigational aids.
The wreck of the Choctaw also highlights the importance of preserving and exploring the underwater cultural heritage of the Great Lakes. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, with its vast array of shipwrecks, provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study and document these historical sites. Through expeditions and mapping projects, new insights are gained into the lives of the sailors who once traversed these waters.
The loss of the Choctaw and other ships like it is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to maritime endeavors. It is a tribute to the bravery and resilience of the crews who braved the elements and navigated these treacherous waters.
As we reflect on the story of the Choctaw, we are reminded of the powerful forces of nature and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our lakes. The legacy of this ill-fated vessel lives on, inviting us to explore, learn, and appreciate the rich maritime heritage that has shaped the Great Lakes region.
