Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Algosteel
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk propeller freighter
- Year Built: 1907
- Builder: Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding, Michigan
- Dimensions: 480 × 52.2 × 30 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 5,752 GT / 4,485 NT
- Location: Burns Harbor, Indiana
- Official Number: C158165
- Original Owners: Operated as Thomas Barlum (1907-1933), then Algosteel (1934-1967)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled bulk propeller freighter designed for transporting bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and iron ore.
Description
Description
The Algosteel, originally named Thomas Barlum, was a significant vessel in the Great Lakes shipping industry, representing advancements in steel freighter construction during the early 20th century.
History
History
Built in 1907, the vessel operated under the name Thomas Barlum until 1933 before being sold and re-registered as Algosteel in 1934. It served in the Algoma Central fleet until its scuttling in 1967.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled in 1967 to create a temporary breakwater at Burns Harbor, Indiana.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Algosteel was intentionally scuttled to serve as a breakwater, creating a protective barrier for harbor construction. This action reflects a practical lifecycle strategy in the Great Lakes industry.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck remains in situ and is potentially accessible for underwater documentation, with opportunities for research and survey of the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”algosteel-c-158165thomas-barlum-us-204798″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Thomas Barlum (later Algosteel) had a notable service history as a Great Lakes freighter. Its final resting place at Burns Harbor serves as a reminder of its contribution to maritime history.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Specifications
- Built: November 21, 1907 at Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding, Michigan
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk propeller freighter
- Dimensions: 480 × 52.2 × 30 ft
- Tonnage: 5,752 GT / 4,485 NT
- Purpose: Designed to haul grain, coal, iron ore – large-capacity lake freighter
Name Changes & Ownership
- 1907–1933: Operated as Thomas Barlum under U.S. registry
- 1934: Sold, Canadian re-registration as Algosteel (Official No. C158165) under the Algoma Central fleet
Final Disposition – 1967
- Fate: Intentionally scuttled to serve as a temporary breakwater
- Location: Burns Harbor, Indiana; Lake Michigan
- Purpose: Created a protective barrier for harbor construction
- Evidence: Documented in shipbuilding and archival lists from Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding and Canadian Great Lakes researchers in Perrysburg, OH.
(en.wikipedia.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, npshistory.com, maritimestudies.ecu.edu)
Historical & Engineering Significance
- Represented an era of 1910s steel freighter construction; large form factor revolutionized inland shipping efficiency
- Her conversion to Algosteel and final use as a breakwater hulk reflects a practical lifecycle strategy common in Great Lakes industry
Research & Survey Opportunities
- Harbor bathymetry surveys at Burns Harbor could reveal the scuttled remains—valuable for industrial maritime archaeological documentation
- Engineering archives at Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding have the original blueprints, machinery specifications, and conversion correspondence
Summary
The Thomas Barlum (later Algosteel) spanned a six-decade service history as a Great Lakes’ steel freighter. Ultimately scuttled in 1967 at Burns Harbor to form part of a man-made breakwater, her final resting place remains in situ and potentially accessible via underwater documentation.
algosteel-c-158165thomas-barlum-us-204798 1967-07-21 23:03:00