Detroit (1854)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: DETROIT
• Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: $12,000 (not insured)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 55 m / 180 ft
• Location: Approx. 15 miles north of Point au Barques
• Coordinates: Approx. 15 miles north of Point au Barques, in 30 fathoms (180 feet / 55 meters) of water
• Original Owners: Capt. E.B. Ward

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The DETROIT was a wooden sidewheel steamer, a vessel design that relied on large paddle wheels on either side for propulsion. These steamers were a common sight on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, often employed for passenger and cargo transport. The DETROIT’s cargo capacity made her a valuable asset, as she could carry mixed goods such as hay and lumber, making her an essential vessel for regional trade.

Description

The DETROIT was chartered to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company at the time of the incident. She was partially loaded with hay and lumber and towing two large scows similarly loaded, headed for the Sault Ste. Marie area.

History

The DETROIT sank rapidly after a collision with the bark NUCLEUS on May 25, 1854, at approximately 8:30 a.m. The conditions were marked by dense fog in Saginaw Bay, which severely limited visibility. The collision caused catastrophic damage to the DETROIT, with the smoke pipe falling and crushing the wheelhouse, resulting in severe injuries to the pilot and another crew member.

Significant Incidents

• The DETROIT sank in about 1.5 hours.
• Two crew members were severely injured, including one with a broken leg.
• Cargo and much of the onboard furniture were lost.
• No fatalities were reported despite the severity of the incident.

Final Disposition

The DETROIT sank in 180 feet (55 meters) of water, approximately 15 miles north of Point au Barques, in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The wreck has not been located definitively in modern times, and it is presumed that the remains rest largely undisturbed on the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The sinking of the DETROIT highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century, including poor visibility during foggy conditions, high maritime traffic on major trade routes like Saginaw Bay, and limited technological solutions to prevent or mitigate collisions.

Resources & Links

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The DETROIT’s tragic collision with the NUCLEUS in Saginaw Bay is emblematic of the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels on the Great Lakes. Dense fog, high traffic, and limited navigational aids contributed to frequent and often devastating incidents. The loss of the DETROIT and her cargo underscores the harsh realities of maritime commerce during this period, while her story remains a poignant reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation.