IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The J.H. Outhwaite was a wooden steam screw vessel, a common type of cargo ship used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Steam screw vessels like the J.H. Outhwaite were powered by steam engines that drove a screw propeller, making them more efficient and maneuverable than earlier sailing ships. The J.H. Outhwaite was a large vessel for its time, with a length of 224 feet, designed to carry heavy loads such as iron ore, which it was transporting at the time of its demise.
HISTORY #
On November 29, 1905, the J.H. Outhwaite encountered a mechanical failure while navigating the Straits of Mackinac, specifically near Little Sable Point. The ship’s steering gear broke, causing the vessel to run aground on Point Sable. At the time, the J.H. Outhwaite was towing the schooner Mary Mitchell, both fully loaded with iron ore and en route from Escanaba to ports in Ohio.
After running aground, the situation worsened when the J.H. Outhwaite caught fire and was completely destroyed. Despite the catastrophic loss of the vessel and its cargo, there were no fatalities reported among the crew. The Mary Mitchell schooner, though stranded, was believed to be in a position to be salvaged, and tugs were dispatched to assist in her release.
The J.H. Outhwaite was valued at $45,000 at the time of its loss, a significant sum reflecting its size and capacity. Built in 1886 in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel served the Great Lakes for nearly 20 years before this unfortunate incident ended its service.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The J.H. Outhwaite was a total loss following the fire that consumed it after running aground. The ship’s wreckage likely remained near Little Sable Point, a site that, like many others in the Great Lakes, serves as a reminder of the perilous conditions faced by vessels navigating these waters. The wreck, now lost to time, represents the numerous maritime tragedies that occurred on the Great Lakes due to mechanical failures, adverse weather, and other navigational challenges.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The incident was documented shortly after it occurred in 1905, with the exact location being Little Sable Point in the Straits of Mackinac. The records from 1906 provide detailed information about the ship’s specifications and its unfortunate end. The Mary Mitchell schooner, which was being towed by the J.H. Outhwaite at the time, was reported to have been in a position to be salvaged, though further details on her fate are not provided in this account.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Mariners navigating near Little Sable Point should be aware of the historical significance of the area, though there are no current hazards reported related to the wreck of the J.H. Outhwaite. However, given the history of the site, caution is always advised, especially in areas known for shipwrecks.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- NOAA AWOIS Database: NOAA AWOIS Database
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the J.H. Outhwaite is a poignant example of the many risks faced by ships operating on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Mechanical failures, combined with harsh weather and challenging navigation, often led to disasters such as this one. The loss of the J.H. Outhwaite, along with its cargo of iron ore, highlights the challenges and dangers inherent in Great Lakes shipping during this era.
KEYWORDS #
- J.H. Outhwaite shipwreck
- Little Sable Point wreck
- Wooden steamer wreck
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Navigation hazard
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The exact coordinates of the wreck were not provided in the historical account, but the incident occurred at Little Sable Point in the Straits of Mackinac. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating in this area, though the wreck itself has likely deteriorated significantly since the time of the incident.
