Kaliyuga (1887)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Vessel Name: SS Kaliyuga
Vessel Type: Iron Ore Carrier
Year Built: 1887
Builder: Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
Dimensions: Approximately 275 feet in length, 40 feet in beam
Gross Tonnage: 2,300 tons
Cargo: Iron ore
Final Location: Lake Huron, near Bruce Peninsula
Date of Wreck: October 20, 1905
Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The SS Kaliyuga was an iron-hulled freighter, built specifically to transport heavy bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. Designed for durability and efficiency, these vessels were the workhorses of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Kaliyuga, like many of her counterparts, was constructed with a focus on capacity and stability to withstand the often harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The SS Kaliyuga was built in 1887 at Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout her service, she was a reliable freighter, making numerous voyages between the ports of the Great Lakes, primarily transporting iron ore, which was vital to the burgeoning steel industry. Her sturdy design and considerable size made her an essential part of the Great Lakes fleet.

On October 18, 1905, the Kaliyuga departed from Marquette, Michigan, with a full load of iron ore, bound for Erie, Pennsylvania. The journey initially appeared routine, but the ship soon encountered one of the most fearsome storms to ever sweep across the Great Lakes—the Great Storm of 1905.

As the Kaliyuga navigated through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie and entered Lake Huron, the weather conditions rapidly deteriorated. A fierce northeast gale began to batter the ship, forcing her crew into a desperate struggle against the elements. The ship was spotted laboring through the storm by other vessels, including the steamer Frontenac and the L.C. Waldo, both of which noted the Kaliyuga’s difficulties in making headway.

By the early hours of October 20, the storm had intensified, and the wind had shifted to the northwest, making the situation even more perilous. The Kaliyuga was last seen near the Bruce Peninsula, where it was believed to have been trying to seek shelter.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

In the aftermath of the storm, wreckage from the SS Kaliyuga began washing ashore in Georgian Bay near Cove Island. The most poignant discovery was the body of Charles Beaugrand, the ship’s oiler, found on the shore near Kincardine, Ontario. His body was identified by a farewell note found in his pocket, written to his family.

The exact circumstances of the Kaliyuga’s final moments remain a mystery, with two main theories proposed by historians and maritime experts. The first theory suggests that the Kaliyuga sank in the middle of Lake Huron due to the overwhelming force of the storm. The second theory posits that the ship managed to reach the eastern shore of Lake Huron, only to be lost when it struck a shoal in the early hours of October 20 while attempting to enter Georgian Bay.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the SS Kaliyuga. However, divers and mariners in the area should be aware of the potential hazards associated with exploring or navigating near historical wreck sites, particularly in areas prone to shifting sands and currents.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact location of the SS Kaliyuga’s wreck has not been definitively established. Wreckage found in Georgian Bay near Cove Island is believed to be from the Kaliyuga, but the main wreck site has not been conclusively identified.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
David Swayze Shipwreck File
Great Lakes Ships
NOAA Great Lakes Wrecks
Historical Newspapers Archive – Maritime Disasters

CONCLUSION #

The SS Kaliyuga’s tragic loss during the Great Storm of 1905 remains a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The combination of unpredictable weather and the immense power of nature has claimed many vessels throughout history, but the story of the Kaliyuga stands out due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding her final hours. While the full story of her fate may never be known, the memory of the ship and her crew lives on as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who plied the Great Lakes.