Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Montana
- Type: Steam screw freighter
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Port Huron, Michigan
- Dimensions: 236.3 ft × 36.5 ft × 13.0 ft (72 × 11.1 × 4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,212 gross tons / 952 net tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, near Sulphur Island, Michigan
- Coordinates: 44°59'03.33"N, 83°16'01.39"W
- Official Number: 90501
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Montana was a steam screw freighter, representative of a transitional period in Great Lakes shipping when sail gave way to mechanical propulsion. Propelled by a single screw and powered by a 500 horsepower steam engine, she was capable of hauling heavy bulk cargoes between major lake ports. Her robust iron and timber construction made her well-suited for long-distance freight service. The vessel had a traditional straight-deck design, with amidships machinery and aft steering gear. Primary operations involved cargo movement across Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, with home operations centered out of Buffalo, New York.
Description
The Montana was a steam screw freighter, representative of a transitional period in Great Lakes shipping when sail gave way to mechanical propulsion. Propelled by a single screw and powered by a 500 horsepower steam engine, she was capable of hauling heavy bulk cargoes between major lake ports. Her robust iron and timber construction made her well-suited for long-distance freight service. The vessel had a traditional straight-deck design, with amidships machinery and aft steering gear. Primary operations involved cargo movement across Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, with home operations centered out of Buffalo, New York.
History
Launched in 1872 from Port Huron, Michigan, Montana served as a general freight carrier for over four decades. She was active during a pivotal era in industrial shipping, providing key logistical support to the mining, lumber, and grain industries. Her long service record reflected both her rugged construction and the reliability of steam-powered shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
On the evening of September 6, 1914, a fire broke out aboard the vessel while she was navigating near Sulphur Island in Lake Huron. Despite best efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire spread rapidly. The crew abandoned ship and escaped without injury. Unable to control the fire, Montana was left to burn and sink. She ultimately settled upright on the lakebed in two major sections.
Significant Incidents
- Fire broke out on September 6, 1914, while navigating near Sulphur Island.
- The crew abandoned ship and all 14 aboard survived.
- The vessel burned and sank, settling upright in two major sections.
Final Disposition
The wreck of Montana lies in 40 feet (12 meters) of water and remains remarkably intact. The bow and stern sections are both accessible, though the midship area is badly damaged due to the fire and collapse. Seasonal NOAA mooring buoys mark the wreck for divers. The site is considered hazardous to surface navigation and is charted accordingly.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is noted in official Notices to Mariners as a submerged hazard. Buoys are in place for diver safety and to prevent vessel strikes. All mariners should consult updated charts and NOAA advisories when operating near Sulphur Island.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”montana-us-90501″ title=”References & Links”]
For full documentation of the Montana shipwreck, including construction, operational history, wreck analysis, and dive guidance, refer to the full article: NOAA Thunder Bay Sanctuary – Montana Wreck Report
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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