Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Eliza H. Strong
- Type: steam-powered cargo vessel
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Registered capacity – 761 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 761 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 7.3 m / 24 ft
- Location: Latitude 43°15'44.5″N, Longitude 82°30'40″W
- Coordinates: Latitude 43°15'44.5″N, Longitude 82°30'40″W
- Original Owners: Strong Transportation Company of Tonawanda, New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Eliza H. Strong was a steam-powered cargo vessel primarily utilized for lumber transportation. Owned by the Strong Transportation Company of Tonawanda, New York, its design catered to heavy cargo requirements, typical of late 19th to early 20th-century steamships operating on the Great Lakes.
Description
On October 27, 1904, the Eliza H. Strong succumbed to a catastrophic fire while traveling near Port Huron, Michigan. Loaded with lumber and paired with the schooner Our Son, the vessel’s fire proved uncontrollable despite the crew’s efforts, completely consuming the ship. Fortunately, no lives were lost during this event. The tragedy underscored the volatile nature of transporting combustible cargo across the unpredictable Great Lakes.
History
The vessel now rests beneath Lake Huron, approximately 1.35 km (0.84 miles) southeast of Lexington Dock, Michigan. At a depth of 7.3 meters (24 feet), the wreck lies completely submerged, presenting a significant hazard to surface navigation.
Significant Incidents
- October 27, 1904: The Eliza H. Strong caught fire while transporting lumber, leading to its sinking.
- Post-incident salvage operations were initiated by the Reid Wrecking Company, which faced complications due to lost buoys marking the site.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Eliza H. Strong remains submerged and is considered hazardous to navigation as per 1985 surveys. Initial markers were lost during salvage operations, increasing the risk for surface vessels.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located at a depth of 7.3 meters (24 feet) and is submerged, posing navigational hazards. Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories’.
Resources & Links
The fiery demise of the Eliza H. Strong highlights the perilous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, compounded by challenges in salvage and wreck management. Its remains serve as a poignant underwater testament to the historical risks of maritime transport.