IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE was a steel-hulled steamer constructed in 1893 by W. Hamilton & Co. at Port Glasgow, Scotland. Designed as a cargo steamer, the vessel was employed primarily in the transportation of grain and other bulk goods across the Great Lakes. With a length of 308 feet and a gross tonnage of 2,370 tons, the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE was a significant presence on the waters, reflecting the industrial advancements of the late 19th century.
HISTORY: #
The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE was initially registered in Canada under the official number C112351. The ship had a storied career, often navigating the challenging and sometimes treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Throughout its years of operation, the vessel proved reliable in transporting cargo between various ports.
However, on October 16, 1918, the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE met with tragedy during a severe storm on Lake Superior. The vessel encountered heavy seas and strong winds, which overwhelmed the steamer, leading to its eventual sinking. The ship went down with a full load of cargo, and tragically, all 22 crew members on board perished in the disaster. The sinking of the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE added to the long list of maritime tragedies on the Great Lakes, reminding us of the relentless and often unforgiving nature of these inland seas.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are in effect for the wreck site of the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE was discovered in 2007 by a team of underwater archaeologists and divers. The site is located in Lake Superior at a depth of 140 feet, near the Canadian shoreline.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE lies upright on the lake bed, with much of the hull intact. The depth of the wreck makes it accessible to experienced divers. The site has become a popular spot for diving enthusiasts interested in exploring the historical shipwrecks of the Great Lakes. However, due to the depth and the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the wreck is best suited for advanced divers equipped with the proper gear.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Link
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Shipwreck Museum
- Lake Superior Maritime Collection: Lake Superior Maritime Collection
KEYWORDS: #
- SENATOR DERBYSHIRE Shipwreck
- Lake Superior Wrecks
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- 1918 Shipwreck
- Canadian Steamer
ANALYSIS: #
The sinking of the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE in 1918 is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by maritime vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Despite being a well-built and robust ship, the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE could not withstand the ferocity of Lake Superior’s stormy weather. The discovery of the wreck nearly 90 years later provided closure to a century-old mystery and shed light on the harsh realities of early 20th-century lake shipping. Today, the wreck serves both as a historical artifact and a testament to the enduring allure and dangers of the Great Lakes.
