Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Daniel J. Morrell
- Type: Bulk Carrier (Propeller Ship)
- Year Built: August 22, 1906
- Builder: Frank Wheeler & Co., West Bay City Shipbuilding, Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 580 ft (176.8 m); Beam: 58 ft; Depth of hold: 27.4 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 7,239 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
- Location: 26 miles north of Harbor Beach, Michigan, in Lake Huron
- Original Owners: American Steamship Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The SS Daniel J. Morrell was a steel-hulled bulk carrier designed for transporting raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone across the Great Lakes. Powered by a steam-driven screw propeller, it epitomized the robust industrial ships built in the early 20th century to fuel America’s economic expansion. Its considerable size and cargo capacity made it a critical player in Great Lakes commerce for six decades.
Description
Launched in 1906, the SS Daniel J. Morrell was named after Daniel J. Morrell, a notable industrialist and philanthropist. Operated by the American Steamship Company, it was a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping network, reliably transporting cargo between major industrial ports.
Despite its impressive service life, the vessel began to show signs of structural fatigue by the mid-20th century. As advancements in ship design and materials emerged, older ships like the Morrell became increasingly vulnerable to the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, particularly during the autumn storm season.
History
The final voyage of the SS Daniel J. Morrell began routinely but ended in tragedy. On November 28, 1966, the ship encountered a fierce storm with gale-force winds and massive waves typical of late-season Great Lakes weather. As the storm intensified, structural stresses on the aging vessel became critical. By 2:00 a.m. on November 29, the Morrell catastrophically broke in half.
The bow section sank rapidly, while the stern remained afloat for several hours, its propeller eerily still turning as it drifted in the storm. Both sections eventually sank, taking 28 of the 29 crew members with them. Dennis Hale, the lone survivor, endured 40 hours in freezing temperatures on a life raft before being rescued, clad only in underwear, a pea coat, and a life jacket.
Significant Incidents
- Final voyage began on November 28, 1966, and ended in tragedy on November 29, 1966.
- Encountered a fierce storm with gale-force winds and massive waves.
- Catastrophic structural failure led to the vessel breaking in half.
- 28 crew members lost; Dennis Hale was the sole survivor.
Final Disposition
The wreck was discovered in two main sections: the bow section was located shortly after the sinking in 1966, while the stern section was found during subsequent search operations. Both sections rest on the lakebed at a depth of approximately 200 feet, near the estimated site of the disaster.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck site of the Daniel J. Morrell. The wreck lies at a significant depth and is primarily of interest to technical divers and researchers. Caution and respect for the site and its history are paramount for those exploring the area.
Resources & Links
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The sinking of the SS Daniel J. Morrell is one of the most poignant maritime tragedies in Great Lakes history. The vessel’s structural failure during a storm highlights the vulnerabilities of aging freighters in extreme weather. The loss of 28 crew members and the survival of Dennis Hale stand as enduring testaments to the risks faced by those navigating the Great Lakes. The wreck now lies silent in the depths of Lake Huron, serving as a solemn reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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