SS Isaac M. Scott (1909)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The SS Isaac M. Scott was a steel-hulled lake freighter designed to transport bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. Built by the American Shipbuilding Company in 1909, the vessel was among the largest and most advanced freighters of its time, equipped with modern navigational tools and a powerful steam engine. The freighter was designed to withstand the often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes, though its construction and technology were still no match for the worst storms.

HISTORY #

The SS Isaac M. Scott embarked on its maiden voyage on July 12, 1909. The beginning of the vessel’s service was marred by a tragic incident when, in dense fog off Whitefish Point, Michigan, it collided with the SS John B. Cowle. The collision caused the John B. Cowle to sink within minutes, resulting in the loss of 14 crew members. The Isaac M. Scott suffered significant damage and was beached for repairs, which cost approximately $30,000. The collision led to the temporary suspension of the ship’s captain and the pilot of the John B. Cowle, both cited for navigating too fast for the foggy conditions.

Despite this early tragedy, the Isaac M. Scott continued to operate on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk goods between various ports. However, the vessel’s fate was sealed during the infamous Great Lakes Storm of 1913, also known as the “Big Blow,” which remains the most catastrophic storm in the history of the lakes.

On November 9, 1913, the SS Isaac M. Scott left the St. Clair River, bound for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a cargo of coal. The ship and its crew of 28 sailed directly into the path of a severe storm that produced hurricane-force winds, blinding snow, and massive waves. Last sighted by another freighter, the H. B. Hawgood, off Tawas Point, Michigan, the Isaac M. Scott was reported missing shortly thereafter.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The SS Isaac M. Scott was lost with all hands during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913. The vessel is believed to have been overwhelmed by the storm’s ferocity and sank in Lake Huron, though the exact location of the wreck remains unknown. Bodies from the ship, including that of Captain A. McArthur, were later found along the shores of Ontario, Canada. One of the lifeboats was discovered near Southampton, Ontario, but no survivors were ever found.

The loss of the Isaac M. Scott and its crew was part of a broader disaster during the storm, which claimed an estimated 235 lives and resulted in the sinking of 11 vessels on Lake Huron alone. The tragedy underscored the need for better weather forecasting and more effective communication of storm warnings.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the SS Isaac M. Scott. However, the area where the ship was last seen remains an important historical site, and mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating the waters of Lake Huron, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact wreck location of the SS Isaac M. Scott has not been identified, and no significant discoveries related to the wreck have been reported. The search for the remains of the vessel continues to be of interest to maritime historians and shipwreck hunters.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

CONCLUSION #

The tragic fate of the SS Isaac M. Scott during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s destruction, along with the loss of all 28 crew members, marked one of the darkest chapters in the maritime history of the region. The storm’s aftermath prompted significant improvements in weather forecasting and maritime safety regulations, but the memory of the Isaac M. Scott remains a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who sailed these dangerous waters.

KEYWORDS #

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