C. D. Leuty

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: C. D. Leuty
• Type: Steam screw vessel
• Year Built: 1882
• Builder: Lorain, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 646 tons
• Location: Lighthouse Point, Marquette, Michigan
• Original Owners: Saginaw Bay Transportation Company

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The C. D. Leuty was a steam screw freighter, a type of vessel commonly used for transporting bulk goods such as lumber, coal, and iron across the Great Lakes. Built in Lorain, Ohio, in 1882, the vessel was powered by a steam screw propulsion system, a design well-suited for the robust shipping demands of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a gross tonnage of 646, the C. D. Leuty was a relatively large freighter capable of carrying substantial cargo loads across long distances.

Description

Owned by the Saginaw Bay Transportation Company, the C. D. Leuty primarily operated in freight service on the Great Lakes, carrying various goods between ports. On October 31, 1911, the vessel departed for Pequaming, Michigan, with a full load of lumber. However, as the vessel neared Marquette, Michigan, it encountered violent gales and a snowstorm, resulting in the vessel stranding off Lighthouse Point.

The storm proved too powerful for the C. D. Leuty to endure. The combined force of the winds and waves caused the vessel to break in two, with the larger section of the hull carried out into Lake Superior while the machinery remained closer to shore. Fortunately, a life-saving crew reached the scene in time to rescue Captain and all 12 crew members, ensuring no lives were lost in the incident.

Despite the crew’s safety, the ship itself was declared a total loss. The storm’s impact, combined with the vessel’s age, meant that the C. D. Leuty could not be salvaged. Its machinery and remnants were left as silent witnesses to the perilous conditions of Lake Superior.

History

The C. D. Leuty was declared a total loss after breaking in two off Lighthouse Point, Marquette, Michigan, during a fierce snowstorm on October 31, 1911. While the majority of the ship drifted into Lake Superior, the machinery and some sections of the hull remained near the shoreline. The wreck marks the end of the vessel’s nearly 30-year service on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

The story of the C. D. Leuty highlights the challenging conditions faced by Great Lakes freighters, especially in late fall when weather conditions often became treacherous. The successful rescue of the crew underscores the bravery and skill of the Great Lakes life-saving teams, who risked their own safety to ensure that no lives were lost.

Final Disposition

The C. D. Leuty‘s wreck serves as a reminder of the numerous vessels lost to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and the dedication of those who operated and maintained these vital shipping routes. Today, its story is preserved in Great Lakes maritime history as a testament to the resilience and risks faced by those who traversed these waters.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the C. D. Leuty remains a significant site for divers and historians alike, providing insight into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the wreck of the C. D. Leuty, remember to be the diver that makes a difference by leaving the site better than you found it, and always adhere to lawful and ethical behavior regarding artifacts.