The propeller IRON CHIEF sank in Lake Huron on October 3, 1904, due to the breaking of her stern pipe. The incident occurred about 10 miles northeast of Point Au Barques while the vessel was crossing Saginaw Bay. The stern pipe failure caused water to fill the hull rapidly, and despite the crew’s efforts to stop the flooding, they were forced to abandon the vessel.
The propeller ANDREW CARNEGIE came to assist and attempted to tow the water-logged IRON CHIEF to shore, but the effort was unsuccessful. The crew was safely taken off the vessel before it settled to the bottom of the lake.
The IRON CHIEF was an old-type wooden vessel that was originally built as a schooner in 1881 but later converted to a bulk propeller. It had a cargo of coal destined for Fort William at the time of the accident. The vessel was owned by James Corrigan of Cleveland and was insured for $30,000. The ship measured 212 feet in length, 35 feet in width, and 17 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 1154 and a net tonnage of 996.
The sinking of the IRON CHIEF adds to the list of maritime accidents that have occurred on the Great Lakes over the years.
