IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The SS DANIEL J. MORRELL was a bulk carrier designed for the transportation of large quantities of cargo, primarily raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone, across the Great Lakes. As a propeller ship, it was driven by a large screw propeller, powered by steam engines, which were common for large vessels of this type during the early 20th century. The steel hull construction and considerable size of the vessel were typical of bulk carriers built in the early 1900s, which were designed to maximize cargo capacity and efficiency.
HISTORY #
The SS DANIEL J. MORRELL was launched on August 22, 1906, by Frank Wheeler & Co. at their West Bay City Shipbuilding yard in Bay City, Michigan. Named after Daniel J. Morrell, a prominent Pennsylvania industrialist and philanthropist, the ship quickly became an integral part of the American Steamship Company’s fleet. The vessel was built during a period of rapid industrialization in the United States, where bulk carriers like the DANIEL J. MORRELL were crucial for transporting raw materials necessary for steel production and other industrial processes.
For 60 years, the DANIEL J. MORRELL plied the waters of the Great Lakes, reliably delivering its cargo to various ports. The ship was a familiar sight on the lakes, known for its size and capacity. However, like many Great Lakes freighters of its time, the DANIEL J. MORRELL was not without its challenges. The vessel was subjected to the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, including severe weather, heavy ice, and the natural wear and tear associated with constant operation.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The final voyage of the DANIEL J. MORRELL began like many others, with the ship loaded with a cargo of iron ore and bound for Taconite Harbor, Minnesota. However, on the night of November 28, 1966, the ship encountered a powerful storm on Lake Huron. The storm was characterized by gale-force winds and towering waves, typical of the notorious Great Lakes storms that have claimed many vessels.
As the storm intensified, the DANIEL J. MORRELL began to experience structural stresses. The ship, built at the turn of the century, was showing signs of fatigue. At approximately 2:00 a.m. on November 29, 1966, the unthinkable happened—the DANIEL J. MORRELL broke in half. The ship’s bow and stern separated, and within minutes, the forward section of the vessel sank rapidly, taking with it most of the crew who were aboard.
The stern section, however, remained afloat for several hours, drifting aimlessly in the storm. One of the most harrowing aspects of the tragedy was the sight of the stern section, with its propeller still turning and lights flickering, being seen by other ships in the area. Eventually, the stern too succumbed to the lake, sinking below the waves and sealing the fate of the remaining crew members aboard.
Of the 29 crew members, only one, Dennis Hale, survived. Hale was found nearly 40 hours later, clinging to a life raft and suffering from severe hypothermia. He was the sole survivor of the tragedy, and his survival story became a testament to human endurance and the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the SS DANIEL J. MORRELL. The wreck site is primarily a location of historical interest, and divers should approach with respect for the site and the lives lost.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the SS DANIEL J. MORRELL was discovered in two main sections. The bow section was located first, shortly after the sinking, while the stern section was discovered later, both lying at a depth of approximately 200 feet (61 meters) on the floor of Lake Huron.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Maritime Database: Comprehensive resource for shipwrecks and maritime history on the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: An extensive database of Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Repository of shipwreck information for vessels lost on the Great Lakes.
- NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL): Information on Great Lakes conditions and historical data.
- Shipwreck World – The Daniel J. Morrell: Detailed article and exploration information.
- “Sole Survivor” by Dennis Hale: Book detailing the survivor’s account of the disaster.
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the SS DANIEL J. MORRELL is one of the most tragic and poignant reminders of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The loss of 28 lives in the freezing waters of Lake Huron on that fateful November night in 1966 underscores the immense power of the Great Lakes and the challenges of maritime navigation. The ship’s breaking in half during a storm reflects the vulnerabilities of even the most robust vessels when faced with the wrath of nature. Dennis Hale’s survival stands as a testament to human resilience and has become a vital part of Great Lakes maritime lore. The SS DANIEL J. MORRELL now lies in the depths of Lake Huron, a somber underwater monument to those who lost their lives in the service of the Great Lakes shipping industry.
KEYWORDS #
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