Title: The Tragic Tale of the Steamer ELIZA H. STRONG: A Fiery End on Lake Huron
43°15’44.5″N and longitude 82°30’40″W
The year 1904 marked the tragic end of the steamer ELIZA H. STRONG, a vessel that once navigated the waters with strength and grace. Owned by the Strong Transportation Company of Tonawanda, New York, the ELIZA H. STRONG met its untimely fate in Lake Huron. Laden with lumber, it embarked on a fateful journey alongside the schooner OUR SON. However, a devastating fire consumed the once-mighty vessel, sinking it to the depths of Lake Huron. This article delves into the events leading to the tragic loss of the ELIZA H. STRONG, its current resting place, and the efforts to salvage its remains.
The Fiery Calamity
On October 27, 1904, the ELIZA H. STRONG fell victim to a ferocious fire, which resulted in its total loss near Port Huron, Michigan. Despite its registered capacity of 761 tons, the vessel succumbed to the destructive flames while carrying a valuable cargo of lumber. The ELIZA H. STRONG’s crew, fortunately, managed to escape the inferno, sparing them from the same tragic fate that befell their vessel.
Resting Place
The remnants of the ELIZA H. STRONG now rest 24 feet beneath the surface of Lake Huron, not far from Lexington, Michigan. It lies approximately 4,433 feet from the southeast corner of Lexington Dock, with an azimuth of 309 degrees 30 minutes and a bearing of southeast half east. No part of the wreckage protrudes above the water’s surface, making it a hidden danger for unsuspecting vessels. A white and black flag buoy, located 40 feet east of the cylinder head of the engine, and another buoy bearing a red board, 60 feet north of the cylinder head, once marked the site.
Salvaging Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, it became crucial to address the ELIZA H. STRONG’s wreckage to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the region. The Reid Wrecking Company of Port Huron took on the task of removing the burned hulk of the vessel, which lay about a mile off the harbor of Lexington. Equipped with a wrecking outfit, the company commenced the arduous process of salvaging the remains.
Complications and Safety Measures
During its salvage operation, the Reid Wrecking Company encountered difficulties as the buoy markers indicating the wreck’s location went missing. The absence of these markers posed a threat to vessels navigating the area. To address this issue, the Reid Wrecking Company began work to remove the engines and boilers of the ELIZA H. STRONG and considered using dynamite to clear the hull, minimizing potential hazards.
Conclusion
The tragic fate of the steamer ELIZA H. STRONG serves as a haunting reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. Despite its strength and history of successful voyages, the vessel’s fiery demise highlighted the unpredictable and merciless nature of the Great Lakes. Efforts to salvage the wreck and secure the area marked the importance of safety in maritime operations, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of disaster. As the ELIZA H. STRONG now lies beneath the waves of Lake Huron, it serves as a somber reminder of the maritime tragedies that have unfolded in the vast expanse of the Great Lakes.
This information suggests that the submerged wreck was identified and recorded as a 13-foot wreck at latitude 43°15’44.5″N and longitude 82°30’40″W during the survey LS1290/14. The position was scaled from the plotted position on H9899/80. In survey H9899/80, designated as OPR-X115-WH/HSB-80, the 13-foot wreck was not disproved at the above position, and it was carried forward to the present survey. The entry was made in December 1985.
Given that the wreck is marked as “dangerous to surface navigation” and has a relatively shallow depth of 13 feet, mariners and authorities should exercise caution in the area to avoid potential hazards to navigation.
