Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Harriet A. Hart
- Type: Steam Propeller Vessel
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: James Elliott
- Dimensions: 177.58 ft (54.1 m) X 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 554.49 Gross; 451.68 Net
- Location: 4 miles southeast of DeTour, Michigan
- Official Number: 110824
- Original Owners: Graham & Morton Transportation Co.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Harriet A. Hart was a steam propeller vessel originally built as the R.C. Reid. It underwent several name changes and modifications throughout its operational history.
Description
Constructed in 1889 in Saugatuck, Michigan, the Harriet A. Hart was a wooden vessel with a length of 177.58 feet and a beam of 26 feet. It was primarily used for freight and passenger services on the Great Lakes.
History
The vessel operated under various names, including R.C. Reid and City of Louisville, reflecting its changing ownership and service roles. It was involved in significant incidents, including a fire in 1901 that resulted in the death of a crew member.
Significant Incidents
- January 18, 1901: The vessel burned nearly to the waterline at dock in Benton Harbor, resulting in the death of fireman Charles Southwell.
- June 15, 1905: The vessel caught fire while en route from Cheboygan to DeTour and was beached at Bois Blanc Island.
Final Disposition
After the fire in 1905, the hull was towed to Amherstburg, Ontario, and the engines and boilers were salvaged by Hackett Towing & Wrecking Co.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Harriet A. Hart is located in Lake Huron and is accessible for diving. The condition of the wreck may vary, and divers are encouraged to document without touching the site.
Resources & Links
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The Harriet A. Hart serves as a significant historical example of the evolution of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, highlighting the challenges faced by vessels 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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