Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: SS Henry B. Smith
• Type: Steel-hulled lake freighter
• Year Built: 1906
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 163 m / 535 ft
• Location: Approximately 535 feet of water off Marquette, Lake Superior

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The SS Henry B. Smith was a steel-hulled lake freighter representing a transitional design during a period of rapid technological advancement in shipbuilding at the turn of the 20th century. Built to accommodate the growing demand for larger freighters, the Smith exemplified the robust and innovative engineering of its time. The ship’s design reflects the industrial and commercial boom that heavily relied on the Great Lakes for transporting raw materials such as iron ore.

Description

The SS Henry B. Smith was a steel-hulled lake freighter representing a transitional design during a period of rapid technological advancement in shipbuilding at the turn of the 20th century. Built to accommodate the growing demand for larger freighters, the Smith exemplified the robust and innovative engineering of its time. The ship’s design reflects the industrial and commercial boom that heavily relied on the Great Lakes for transporting raw materials such as iron ore.

History

Early Career: Built in 1906, the Henry B. Smith served as part of a fleet of freighters integral to the iron and steel industries, operating primarily on the Great Lakes. Its steel hull, relatively advanced for the era, was designed to handle the heavy cargoes and demanding conditions of Lake Superior.

The Great Lakes Storm of 1913: Known as the “White Hurricane,” the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 was one of the deadliest and most destructive storms in the region’s history. The Smith had already endured numerous delays in 1913, increasing pressure on Captain James Owen to complete its final trip of the season. On November 9, 1913, against the backdrop of brewing storms, the ship departed Marquette heavily laden with iron ore.

As the storm intensified, gale-force winds and freezing temperatures wreaked havoc on the vessel. Crew members struggled to close the ship’s 32 hatches as the icy ore began to freeze in the hopper cars, complicating their efforts. Captain Owen attempted to find shelter behind Keweenaw Point but was overcome by the storm. The Henry B. Smith vanished into the night amidst snow squalls and towering waves.

Aftermath: Two days later, debris and wreckage washed ashore along Chocolay Bay, Shot Point, and Laughing Fish Point, offering grim evidence of the ship’s fate. Only two crew members’ bodies were ever recovered. A controversial note in a bottle surfaced months later, suggesting the ship had broken in two, but inconsistencies in the timeline cast doubt on its authenticity.

Significant Incidents

Discovery and Significance: The wreck of the SS Henry B. Smith remained undiscovered for nearly 100 years. In May 2013, it was located at a depth of 535 feet off Marquette, Lake Superior. Video footage of the wreck revealed a largely intact vessel, providing invaluable insights into early 20th-century freighter design and the challenges faced by these ships.

The SS Henry B. Smith is the only known example of its type and size available for study in Lake Superior, making it a critical resource for maritime historians and archaeologists. The wreck sheds light on the construction techniques and operational challenges of lake freighters during a transformative period in maritime engineering.

Final Disposition

The story of the SS Henry B. Smith is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and perilous conditions of the Great Lakes. It highlights the bravery of mariners who faced the region’s notorious storms and pays homage to those who perished in the line of duty. As a testament to human resilience and the enduring mysteries of maritime history, the Smith remains a focal point for understanding the impact of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is largely intact and was discovered in May 2013. It provides a significant opportunity for research and exploration, emphasizing the importance of preserving maritime heritage.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”henry-b-smith-1906″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As divers explore the SS Henry B. Smith, they are reminded to respect the site and its history. Shotline Diving encourages all divers to practice no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories. By doing so, we can ensure that this important piece of maritime history remains for future generations to study and appreciate.