Monrovia

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Vessel Name: SS Monrovia
Other Names: None
Vessel Type: “Victory” type package freighter
Official Number: Not available
Year Built: 1943
Builder: Not specified
Dimensions: Length – 430 feet (131 meters)
Gross Tonnage: 6,700 tons
Owner: Liberian-flagged, manned by a Greek crew
Final Location: Bottom of the Great Lakes (specific lake not specified)
Depth: 43 feet (13 meters) to the highest point of the wreck
Coordinates: Not provided

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The SS Monrovia was a “Victory” type package freighter built during World War II. These vessels were designed to be faster and larger than their predecessors, the Liberty ships, and were typically used for transporting various types of cargo. The SS Monrovia was a substantial vessel, with a length of 430 feet and a gross tonnage of 6,700 tons, making it well-suited for long voyages across large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. The ship was flagged in Liberia and operated by a Greek crew, reflecting the global nature of shipping during the mid-20th century.

HISTORY #

The SS Monrovia had a storied history as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, frequently transporting goods across these vast inland seas. However, her journey took a tragic turn on June 25, 1959, when she set sail bound for Antwerp with Chicago as her final destination. The ship encountered a dense fog, a common yet treacherous condition on the Great Lakes, which severely reduced visibility.

As the SS Monrovia sailed through the fog, she collided with another freighter, the SS Royalton. The impact of the collision was devastating, causing significant damage to both vessels. The fog, combined with the severity of the collision, made it difficult for the crew to assess the full extent of the damage and take immediate corrective action.

Despite their efforts, the damage to the SS Monrovia was too severe. Water rapidly filled the hull, and the ship began to sink. The crew was forced to abandon the ship, seeking refuge in lifeboats as the vessel descended to the lakebed. The SS Monrovia ultimately came to rest upright on the bottom of the lake, where she remains today.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The SS Monrovia now lies upright and mostly intact at the bottom of the lake, submerged under 43 feet of water. The wreck has become a site of interest for divers, offering a glimpse into the tragic events of that fateful day. The relatively shallow depth and the ship’s intact condition make it an accessible site for exploration by divers interested in maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently issued for the wreck of the SS Monrovia. However, divers are advised to approach the site with caution, given the historical significance of the wreck and the potential hazards associated with underwater exploration.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact discovery date of the SS Monrovia’s wreck is not specified, but it has become a known dive site over the years. The wreck can be accessed by divers through charters from Alpena, Michigan.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

CONCLUSION #

The tragic fate of the SS Monrovia serves as a solemn reminder of the inherent dangers of maritime navigation, particularly on the Great Lakes, where weather conditions can change rapidly and dramatically. The collision in the fog and the subsequent sinking of the SS Monrovia underscore the importance of caution and preparedness when navigating these vast inland waters. Today, the wreck of the SS Monrovia offers divers an opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history, paying homage to the vessel and its crew.