FLORIDA

The steamship FLORIDA of the Lackawanna Line sank in Lake Huron on May 20, 1897, after colliding with the steamer GEORGE W. ROBY in dense fog between False Presque Isle and Middle Island. The FLORIDA was carrying a cargo of 56,000 bushels of wheat and general merchandise. All 21 crew members were rescued by the ROBY. The FLORIDA went down in about 220 feet of water and was a total loss. The cause of the collision was attributed to the fog and miscommunication of passing signals between the two vessels. The owners and underwriters of the FLORIDA filed a libel against the ROBY, claiming damages of $172,400. The legal battle over the collision ensued, and both vessel and cargo were insured. The FLORIDA was a large steamer measuring 270.8 feet in length, 40.2 feet in beam, and 15.4 feet in depth.