SS Henry Steinbrenner: Tragic Loss in Lake Superior, 1953
On May 10, 1953, the SS Henry Steinbrenner, a 52-year-old Great Lakes freighter, set sail from Superior, Wisconsin, carrying nearly 7000 tons of iron ore destined for Lake Erie’s steel mills. Despite forecasts predicting rough weather later in the day, Captain Albert Stiglin decided to depart, as captains of that time often did due to less accurate weather reports and the common experience of enduring storms during their careers.
As the ship encountered the forecasted gale that afternoon, strong winds and large waves battered the vessel. Captain Stiglin secured the ship’s deck, but he did not have the crew place tarpaulins on the hatch covers, which allowed some water to seep into the cargo holds. As the storm intensified, conditions became too dangerous for crews to venture on deck to secure the loose hatch cover. Water poured into the hold, and the ship’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding.
By the morning of May 11, it was clear that the ship was in grave danger. An SOS was broadcast, and an abandon ship signal was blown. As the crew gathered at life rafts and lifeboats, confusion and chaos ensued. The vessel sank quickly fifteen miles south of Isle Royale Light, resulting in the tragic loss of 17 crew members.
In response to the disaster, fingers were pointed at the crew for not using tarpaulins on the hatches. However, given the magnitude of the storm, it is uncertain whether the tarpaulins would have saved the ship. Nevertheless, the sinking of the SS Henry Steinbrenner prompted Great Lakes vessel operators to equip some of their older vessels with watertight single-piece hatch covers during rebuilds to enhance safety.
The SS Henry Steinbrenner had already experienced eventful incidents in its first two decades on the Great Lakes. A collision on the St. Marys River in 1909 resulted in the ship being declared a total constructive loss, but it was later recovered, repaired, and returned to service. Another collision occurred in Whitefish Bay, but the ship managed to stay afloat after repairs.
The tragic loss of the SS Henry Steinbrenner in Lake Superior in 1953 left a lasting impact on Great Lakes shipping practices, highlighting the importance of safety measures and ongoing improvements to prevent such disasters in the future. The ship’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the bravery of the men who navigated these treacherous waters.
