Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Altadoc (formerly Lake Shore)
- Type: Propeller Steamer
- Year Built: 1901
- Builder: West Bay City Shipbuilding, West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 356 ft (108.5 m); Beam: 50 ft (15.2 m); Depth of hold: 28 ft (8.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 3,871 tons
- Location: Keweenaw Point, east of Copper Harbor, Michigan
- Official Number: C116577
- Original Owners: Gilchrist Transportation Co., Interlake Steamship Co., Paterson Steamships Ltd.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Altadoc, originally built as the Lake Shore, was a steel propeller steamer designed for bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. Its robust construction and large size made it suitable for heavy cargo such as coal, grain, and iron ore. The vessel’s ownership under several prominent shipping companies reflects its importance in the maritime trade of the Great Lakes during the early 20th century.
Description
The vessel began its life as the Lake Shore, constructed in 1901 by West Bay City Shipbuilding for the Gilchrist Transportation Co. Its initial service was focused on freight transport across the Great Lakes.
- 1913: The vessel was renamed Indus when transferred to the Interlake Steamship Co. and continued its role under new management.
- 1926: Sold to Canadian ownership under Paterson Steamships Ltd., the vessel was renamed Altadoc and registered under the number C116577.
The Altadoc met its fate on December 8, 1927, during a blizzard while en route from Owen Sound, Ontario, to Fort William, Ontario. Severe weather caused the parting of the vessel’s wheel chains, leading to a grounding on Keweenaw Point, east of Copper Harbor in Lake Superior. The ship broke in two during the storm, and a fire in its coal bunker caused further destruction.
Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the USCG Crawford on December 11, 1927, and no lives were lost.
History
The wreck of the Altadoc was scrapped during World War II, with its steel repurposed for the war effort. However, the vessel’s wheelhouse was salvaged and repurposed as a summer cottage. Over the years, it became a gift shop and a two-room hotel, serving as a unique reminder of the ship’s legacy until it was destroyed by fire on March 22, 1987.
Significant Incidents
There are no current Notices to Mariners related to the Altadoc wreck. The site near Keweenaw Point is of historical interest but does not pose navigational hazards.
Final Disposition
The wreck was reported at Keweenaw Point in December 1927. Parts of the vessel, including the wheelhouse, were salvaged before the remainder was scrapped during World War II.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was largely dismantled during the 1940s, and no substantial remains are believed to exist underwater. The wheelhouse served as a prominent artifact until its destruction in 1987.
Resources & Links
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The Altadoc (formerly Lake Shore) stands as a testament to the industrial and maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its storied career, spanning multiple ownerships and name changes, reflects the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century. Despite its destruction, the vessel’s legacy endures, highlighted by its service in commerce, its dramatic loss, and the unique repurposing of its wheelhouse.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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