The Tragic Fate of the SS Monrovia: A Collision in the Fog
The SS Monrovia, a former “Victory” type package freighter, was built in 1943, measuring 430 feet and weighing 6700 gross tons. Liberian-flagged and manned by a Greek crew, she was no stranger to the waters, having traversed the vast Great Lakes for various voyages.
On June 25, 1959, the SS Monrovia set out on a journey bound for Antwerp, with Chicago as her ultimate destination. However, fate had other plans in store for the vessel and its crew. As the ship sailed through the waters enshrouded in a dense and treacherous fog, danger lurked just ahead.
In the midst of reduced visibility and challenging conditions, the SS Monrovia collided with the Great Lakes freighter, SS Royalton. The impact was catastrophic, causing severe damage to both vessels. With the fog obscuring their vision and clarity, the crews of the two ships faced an incredibly challenging situation.
Despite the best efforts of the crews onboard both vessels, the damage sustained in the collision proved overwhelming for the SS Monrovia. The vessel began to take on water rapidly, and the situation became increasingly perilous. The decision to abandon ship was made as a last resort, with the crew members seeking refuge in lifeboats, hoping to escape the sinking vessel.
As the SS Monrovia succumbed to the depths of the Great Lakes, the fate of the ship was sealed, and her final resting place would become a somber reminder of the tragic events that unfolded that day. The ship now lies upright and mostly intact at the bottom of the lake, with 43 feet of water covering her highest point.
The aftermath of the collision saw her owners and captain facing scrutiny, as they were cited for traveling too fast for the prevailing weather conditions and operating without a pilot aboard. The investigation highlighted the importance of exercising caution and prudence while navigating the waters, especially in inclement weather.
Today, the SS Monrovia remains as a poignant testament to the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes and a reminder of the need for vigilance and safety while plying these waters. Divers, drawn by the allure of maritime history and the desire to pay homage to the ship and its crew, can charter trips to explore the remains of the SS Monrovia from Alpena, Michigan.
The tragic fate of the SS Monrovia serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those who brave the waters, and its story is etched into the collective memory of maritime history on the Great Lakes. May the memory of the vessel and the lives lost be forever honored, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who sail the vast and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
