IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The JOHN A. MCGEAN was a steel-hulled bulk freighter, one of the many “workhorses” of the Great Lakes, designed to transport large quantities of bulk cargo such as iron ore, coal, and grain. The ship was well-known for its size and capacity, making it an essential vessel for the shipping industry on the Great Lakes.
HISTORY: #
The JOHN A. MCGEAN was launched in 1908, built by the American Shipbuilding Company in Lorain, Ohio. The ship was named after John A. McGean, a prominent figure in the shipping industry. The vessel primarily operated on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk cargoes between ports in the United States and Canada.
On November 9, 1913, the JOHN A. MCGEAN set out on what would become its final voyage, departing from Duluth, Minnesota, with a cargo of iron ore destined for Cleveland, Ohio. However, the ship encountered the Great Storm of 1913, one of the most catastrophic storms in the history of the Great Lakes, known as the “White Hurricane.” The storm created massive waves, with some reaching heights of 35 feet, and intense snow squalls that reduced visibility to near zero.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Despite the crew’s efforts to weather the storm, the JOHN A. MCGEAN was overwhelmed by the relentless forces of nature. The ship sent out distress signals, but due to the severity of the storm, rescue efforts were futile. The ship ultimately sank in the icy waters of Lake Huron, taking with it all 29 crew members. The exact location of the wreck remained a mystery for over seven decades until it was discovered in 1985 off Harbor Beach, Michigan.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: There are no active Notices to Mariners associated with the JOHN A. MCGEAN wreck site. However, divers should always check for updated information before planning a dive.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery: The wreck of the JOHN A. MCGEAN was discovered in 1985 by a team of divers off Harbor Beach, Michigan. The discovery provided closure to the families of the lost crew members and added a significant chapter to the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation
- NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
- National Museum of the Great Lakes
PICTURES: #
(Include available historical images of the JOHN A. MCGEAN, photographs of the wreck, or other related imagery.)
KEYWORDS: #
JOHN A. MCGEAN, Great Storm of 1913, White Hurricane, Lake Huron, Steel-Hulled Bulk Freighter, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes.
CONCLUSION: #
The story of the JOHN A. MCGEAN is a haunting reminder of the perils faced by those who navigated the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Lost to one of the most devastating storms in history, the vessel and its crew were claimed by the unforgiving elements. The rediscovery of the wreck in 1985 brought closure to a long-standing maritime mystery and serves as a poignant memorial to the 29 souls who perished that fateful day. The wreck of the JOHN A. MCGEAN continues to rest beneath the waters of Lake Huron, a silent testament to the bravery of the sailors who ventured into the storm.
