Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: H.E. Runnels
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steam barge
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: Jenks Shipbuilding Co., Port Huron, MI
- Dimensions: 182 ft (55.5 m) x 35 ft (10.7 m) x 13 ft (4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 862 gross / 694 net tons
- Location: Grand Marais, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Unknown (wreck broken near pier)
- Official Number: 96230
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: None noted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The H.E. Runnels was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven steam barge designed for the coal trade on the upper Great Lakes. With a capacity of over 860 gross tons, she was representative of bulk freighters serving the mining and industrial economies of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. Her hull, machinery, and rigging were all suited for tough lake service.
Description
The H.E. Runnels was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven steam barge designed for the coal trade on the upper Great Lakes. With a capacity of over 860 gross tons, she was representative of bulk freighters serving the mining and industrial economies of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. Her hull, machinery, and rigging were all suited for tough lake service.
History
Built in 1893 by Jenks Shipbuilding of Port Huron, the Runnels spent her working life transporting coal and bulk goods across Lakes Huron and Superior. She operated regularly between Lake Erie coal ports and industrial destinations like Lake Linden.
On November 13, 1919, the vessel took refuge in Grand Marais harbor as a storm gathered strength. The next day, despite worsening conditions, the captain attempted to leave port. During the maneuver, the steering gear failed while the vessel backed into the channel. The freighter was caught by massive waves, driven ashore, and rapidly broke apart.
Significant Incidents
- On November 14, 1919, the H.E. Runnels was lost due to steering failure during a storm.
- All 17 crew members survived due to the rescue by Grand Marais Life-Saving Service.
Final Disposition
The vessel was completely destroyed within hours of grounding. Her hull shattered on the rocks near the Grand Marais pier, and remnants were buried in beach sands. No intact remains have been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not formally located; the wreck remains buried in shifting sands. No known survey or dive documentation exists.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”h-e-runnels-us-96230″ title=”References & Links”]
The H.E. Runnels serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. The heroic rescue of her crew highlights the bravery of the Grand Marais Life-Saving Service.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification Card (Site Style)
Other Names: None noted
Official Number: 96230
Registry: US
Vessel Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steam barge
Builder: Jenks Shipbuilding Co., Port Huron, MI
Year Built: 1893
Dimensions: 182 ft (55.5 m) x 35 ft (10.7 m) x 13 ft (4 m)
Tonnage: 862 gross / 694 net tons
Cargo on Final Voyage: Coal
Date of Loss: 14 November 1919
Location: Grand Marais, Lake Superior
Coordinates: Unknown (wreck broken near pier)
Depth: Shoreline / buried
Home Port: Likely Port Huron, MI
Owners: Unknown
Crew: 17
Casualties: None
Description
The H.E. Runnels was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven steam barge designed for the coal trade on the upper Great Lakes. With a capacity of over 860 gross tons, she was representative of bulk freighters serving the mining and industrial economies of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. Her hull, machinery, and rigging were all suited for tough lake service.
History
Built in 1893 by Jenks Shipbuilding of Port Huron, the Runnels spent her working life transporting coal and bulk goods across Lakes Huron and Superior. She operated regularly between Lake Erie coal ports and industrial destinations like Lake Linden.
On November 13, 1919, the vessel took refuge in Grand Marais harbor as a storm gathered strength. The next day, despite worsening conditions, the captain attempted to leave port. During the maneuver, the steering gear failed while the vessel backed into the channel. The freighter was caught by massive waves, driven ashore, and rapidly broke apart.
Final Dispositions
The vessel was completely destroyed within hours of grounding. Her hull shattered on the rocks near the Grand Marais pier, and remnants were buried in beach sands. No intact remains have been documented.
Located By & Date Found
Not formally located; the wreck remains buried in shifting sands. No known survey or dive documentation exists.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted.
Dive Information
Access: Shore
Entry Point: Grand Marais Harbor
Conditions: Surf zone, shallow; dangerous during storms
Depth Range: 0–10 ft (0–3 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sault Ste. Marie, Grand Marais local emergency services
Permits: Not required
Dive Support: Not applicable (no active dive tourism)
Crew & Casualty Memorials
All 17 crew survived due to the rescue by Grand Marais Life-Saving Service. Award recipients included: Joseph Graham, Ambrose Graham, Ora Endress, James MacDonald, and Captain John Anderson. Further research needed for complete roster.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“The brave actions of the Grand Marais Life-Saving Station and the civilian volunteers resulted in one of the most heroic rescues ever performed on Lake Superior.” — National Park Service brochure, 1980s
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official number 96230; enrolled at Port Huron, Michigan. No available insurance data.
Site Documentation & Imaging
No NOAA or WHS site documentation exists. The wreck has not been surveyed or imaged due to destruction and sand burial.
Image Gallery
Still looking
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- Newspapers.com
- Find A Grave
References
- NPS Pictured Rocks Shipwreck Brochure
- NMGL – John Anderson rescue memoir
- Great Lakes Drive — Shipwrecks of Pictured Rocks
- USCG Gold Lifesaving Medal Recipients
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: 96230
Coordinates: Unknown
Depth: 0–3 m (0–10 ft)
Location Description: Grand Marais pier area
Vessel Type: Steam barge
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 182 × 35 × 13 ft; 862 gross tons
Condition: Broken, buried in sand
Cause of Loss: Steering failure during storm
Discovery Date: Not formally located
Discovered By: Not applicable
Method: Not applicable
Legal Notes: None noted
Hazards: None known
Permits Required: No