Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Baltimore
- Type: Steam-powered freighter
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Off Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Official Number: Not specified
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Baltimore was a wooden-hulled steam-powered freighter, typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes cargo vessels. Such ships were designed for bulk transport of commodities like coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes.
Description
Specific details regarding the Baltimore‘s construction, dimensions, and tonnage are not documented in the available records. However, as a steam-powered freighter built in 1881, she would have been equipped with a coal-fired boiler and designed for durability and functionality in the demanding environment of the Great Lakes.
History
On May 24, 1901, the Baltimore was en route from Lorain, Ohio, to Washburn, Wisconsin, carrying a cargo of coal. She encountered a severe storm on Lake Huron, which battered the vessel throughout the afternoon and night. Off Thunder Bay, the captain observed that the steamer was in danger; waves had already smashed in the engineer’s quarters and washrooms, and water was entering the hold with each wave. As a last resort, the captain decided to turn about and run for Tawas for shelter. However, the Baltimore struck a reef, broke in two, and foundered. Of the 15 crew members aboard, 13 perished, and only 2 survived.
Significant Incidents
- May 24, 1901: The Baltimore sank after striking a reef during a storm, resulting in the loss of 13 crew members.
Final Disposition
The Baltimore was declared a total loss after breaking apart and sinking off Thunder Bay. The wreck has not been located or surveyed in modern times, and its exact position remains unknown.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Baltimore has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”baltimore-1881″ title=”References & Links”]
The Baltimore‘s loss in 1901 underscores the hazards faced by steam-powered vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly the risks associated with severe weather conditions. While specific details about her operations and final voyage are scarce, the incident contributes to the broader narrative of maritime history in the region.
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.
- Name: Baltimore
- Former Names: None reported
- Official Registration Number: Not specified
- Date Built & Launched: 1881
- Builder: Not specified
- Construction: Wooden-hulled steam-powered freighter
- Tonnage: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Date Lost: May 24, 1901
- Location of Loss: Off Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal
- Cause of Loss: Struck a reef during a storm, broke in two, and sank
- Crew: 15; 13 perished, 2 survived
- Final Disposition: Total loss
- Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
- Sources: Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, US Deadly Events(Great Lakes Echo, baillod.com, usdeadlyevents.com)
Vessel Type
The Baltimore was a wooden-hulled steam-powered freighter, typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes cargo vessels. Such ships were designed for bulk transport of commodities like coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes.
Description(Great Lakes Echo)
Specific details regarding the Baltimore‘s construction, dimensions, and tonnage are not documented in the available records. However, as a steam-powered freighter built in 1881, she would have been equipped with a coal-fired boiler and designed for durability and functionality in the demanding environment of the Great Lakes.
History(Dreamstime)
On May 24, 1901, the Baltimore was en route from Lorain, Ohio, to Washburn, Wisconsin, carrying a cargo of coal. She encountered a severe storm on Lake Huron, which battered the vessel throughout the afternoon and night. Off Thunder Bay, the captain observed that the steamer was in danger; waves had already smashed in the engineer’s quarters and washrooms, and water was entering the hold with each wave. As a last resort, the captain decided to turn about and run for Tawas for shelter. However, the Baltimore struck a reef, broke in two, and foundered. Of the 15 crew members aboard, 13 perished, and only 2 survived. (usdeadlyevents.com)
Final Disposition
The Baltimore was declared a total loss after breaking apart and sinking off Thunder Bay. The wreck has not been located or surveyed in modern times, and its exact position remains unknown.(usdeadlyevents.com)
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Baltimore has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Baltimore. Mariners operating in the vicinity of Thunder Bay should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – Baltimore
- US Deadly Events – 1901 Baltimore Sinking(usdeadlyevents.com)
Conclusion(Alamy)
The Baltimore‘s loss in 1901 underscores the hazards faced by steam-powered vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly the risks associated with severe weather conditions. While specific details about her operations and final voyage are scarce, the incident contributes to the broader narrative of maritime history in the region.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Baltimore, steam freighter, Great Lakes shipwreck, 1901 storm, Thunder Bay
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Steam Vessels, Maritime Disasters
Glossary Terms:
- Steam Freighter: A cargo vessel powered by steam engines, commonly used during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Thunder Bay: A bay in Lake Huron, known for its treacherous waters and numerous shipwrecks.
- Reef: A submerged ridge of rock or sand that can pose a hazard to navigation.
- Foundered: A term indicating that a vessel has filled with water and sunk.(Wikipedia)
Shore Dive Information
Given that the Baltimore‘s wreck has not been located and is presumed to be in an unknown location, there is no shore dive information available for this site.
baltimore-1881 1901-05-24 11:40:00