SITE DESCRIPTION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Nordmeer was a German motor package freighter, also known as a “saltie,” which refers to ocean-going vessels that navigate through the Saint Lawrence Seaway to access the Great Lakes. Built in 1954, the Nordmeer was an impressive ship designed for long-distance cargo transport. It was notable for its size, being 470 feet long with a gross tonnage of 8,683 tons, making it one of the largest salties to have operated on the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Nordmeer embarked on its fateful voyage on November 19, 1966, as it made its way through Lake Huron, en route from Chicago to Milwaukee, with a cargo of rolled stainless steel wire. This voyage marked the vessel’s first passage through the Saint Lawrence Seaway into the Great Lakes. As the ship navigated the waters near Thunder Bay Island, it encountered dense fog and the flashing Thunder Bay Shoal buoy.
Due to a navigational error, the Nordmeer was directed in the wrong direction around the buoy and struck a jagged shoal a few miles north of Thunder Bay Island. The impact caused severe damage to the ship, resulting in a large gash that quickly flooded all cargo holds and the engine room. Within minutes, the Nordmeer settled onto the bottom of Lake Huron.
Fortunately, there were no casualties in the incident. The United States Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw successfully rescued 35 crew members, transporting them to Alpena, Michigan. The ship’s captain and seven crew members remained on board to assess the situation and begin salvage operations. The crew members brought to Alpena were housed at the Kentucky Motor Lodge, while the dog, Goofy, who had journeyed with them from the Carney Islands, sought adoption by a German-speaking family.
Initially, hopes were high for salvaging the Nordmeer and its cargo. Efforts were made to pump out the water and patch the hull, but just a week later, the notorious November gales struck. With winds reaching 80 km/h (50 mph) and waves as high as 7 meters (22 feet), the already damaged vessel was battered further, rendering a full salvage operation impossible.
In 1968, Glen Steel Company of Philadelphia was contracted to salvage the cargo, which consisted of 989 steel coils, each weighing 10 tons. The removal process took six months, with Alpena Steel and Wire, now known as Alro Steel, playing a role in the operation. The next year, a forest firefighting aircraft spotted a significant oil slick near the wreck site, caused by 21,000 gallons of fuel still onboard. A diving team, led by Bob Massey and Dave Funk, successfully removed the fuel, which was later repurposed by a Tawas salvage firm.
Despite these efforts, residual fuel remained on the Nordmeer, prompting further action in 1970. Explosives were used to ensure that the fuel tanks were fully drained, with the remaining reserves finally siphoned off. Over the following decades, the Nordmeer continued to deteriorate under the harsh conditions of Lake Huron. By the summer of 1998, only a small portion of the ship was visible above the waterline. Today, the Nordmeer lies fully submerged at a depth of 12 meters (40 feet) near Thunder Bay Island.
CURRENT CONDITION #
The wreck of the Nordmeer now rests in 12 meters (40 feet) of water, fully submerged near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. Over the years, it has become a popular, though challenging, site for divers. The harsh conditions of Lake Huron, combined with the history of the wreck, make it a site of both interest and caution. Various artifacts from the Nordmeerare displayed at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, offering visitors insight into the ship’s history.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Alpena News: Alpena News
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
- Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
CONCLUSION #
The Nordmeer remains a poignant reminder of the navigational challenges and risks associated with shipping on the Great Lakes. Although the ship’s final voyage ended in disaster, the story of the Nordmeer continues to captivate maritime enthusiasts, divers, and historians alike. The preservation of artifacts and the continued exploration of the wreck site ensure that the legacy of the Nordmeer is not forgotten.
KEYWORDS #
- Nordmeer shipwreck
- Lake Huron freighter
- Thunder Bay Island wreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Saltie freighter
- November gales
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The Nordmeer wreck site is located at coordinates N45° 08.161′, W83° 09.586′, approximately 12 meters (40 feet) beneath the surface, near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. Divers and maritime historians should approach the site with caution, as conditions can be hazardous.
