Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Edward E. Loomis
- Type: Steel-hulled package freighter
- Year Built: 1900
- Builder: Union Dry Dock Co.
- Dimensions: 381.7 ft (116.5 m) × 50.5 ft × 14 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 4,153 GRT / 3,311 NRT; remeasured to 4,279 GRT / 3,437 NRT in 1924
- Location: Lake Erie
- Official Number: 81 733
- Original Owners: Lehigh Valley Line (1901–1920), Great Lakes Transit Corporation (1920–some point)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled package freighter.
Description
Description
The Edward E. Loomis, originally named Wilkesbarre, was launched on December 1, 1900, and was one of the largest and most advanced steel package freighters on the Great Lakes at the turn of the 20th century.
History
History
- 1901: Entered service on the Chicago–Buffalo package freight route.
- 1911: Collided with Lightship Kewanee at Port Huron, Michigan; repaired in Buffalo.
- 1920: Sold and renamed Edward E. Loomis under Great Lakes Transit Corporation.
- 1924: Official tonnage re-measured.
- 21 Nov 1934: Collided (in fog) with Canadian bulk freighter W. C. Franz southeast of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron. Franz sank with four crew lost; the Loomis rescued survivors and transported them to Port Huron.
- Post-1934: Laid up in Buffalo and withdrawn from service; never reactivated.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Collision with Lightship Kewanee in 1911.
- Collision with W. C. Franz in 1934, resulting in the sinking of the Franz.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
- 1940: Sold for scrap to the Steel Company of Canada.
- 1942: Dismantled at Hamilton, Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Edward E. Loomis is confirmed, but specific details regarding its current condition and accessibility for divers are not available.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”edward-e-loomis-wilkesbarre-us-81733″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Edward E. Loomis represents a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing engineering advancements and the evolution of shipping practices in the early 20th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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