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 (SLD)

Description

The *Henry Cort* was a whaleback-type bulk freighter, designed by Captain Alexander McDougall and built in 1892 by the American Steel Barge Company in Superior, Wisconsin. She was 320 ft between perpendiculars with a 42 ft beam and ~25 ft hold depth, measuring 2,234 gross register tons. Originally named *Pillsbury* and fitted for package freight, she was converted to bulk cargo service upon acquisition by Bessemer Steamship Co. in 1896 and renamed *Henry Cort*. Her hull design, with rounded contours and low freeboard, allowed efficient heavy-cargo movement in Great Lakes waters. In the late 1920s, she was rebuilt and equipped with a crane to serve as a more self-unloading or heavy-lift vessel. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

History

After her launch in 1892, *Pillsbury* operated for the Soo Line under package freight service until 1896, when she was purchased by the Bessemer Steamship Company for bulk cargo use and renamed *Henry Cort*. Around 1901, she was absorbed into the Pittsburgh Steamship Company of U.S. Steel, where she served in iron ore and bulk freight capacity for several decades.

On 17 December 1917, the *Cort* sank near Colchester Reef in Lake Erie following a collision with the steamer *Midvale* while breaking ice; the crew walked across ice to safety. She was raised in April 1918 after several attempts and extensively rebuilt, including new straight sides and flattened deck, returning to service in October 1918. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

In 1927 she stranded on Colchester Reef again and was abandoned for insurance, later sold, rebuilt, and converted to a crane-equipped vessel under Lake Ports Shipping & Navigation Co. She also suffered ice damage in 1933 while moored on the Detroit River at Ecorse, Michigan. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Final Disposition

During a gale with winds of approximately 45 mph on 30 November 1934, *Henry Cort* was driven onto the north side of the Muskegon Channel breakwater. The United States Coast Guard cutter Escanaba responded to the distress call. In a dramatic rescue amid heavy seas, a line was shot from the pier to the vessel, and all 25 crew members were brought to safety via hand-over-hand transfer and breeches-buoy methods. Coast Guardsman John Dipert was lost when the surfboat capsized and was never recovered. The wreck later broke in two due to winter storms, was declared a total loss, and scrapped in 1935. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Located By & Date Found

The wreck location on the Muskegon breakwater was immediately evident after the incident in late 1934. The remains are still visibly accessible alongside the exterior of the breakwall. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Notmars & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically regarding the remains. However, navigators and divers are advised to exercise caution when approaching the Muskegon breakwall area, particularly during rough weather. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Dive Information

Access: Shoreline or small craft from Muskegon; best in calm conditions.
Entry Point: North breakwater of Muskegon Channel.
Conditions: Shallow water (~30 ft / 9 m); wave exposure depending on lake level; visibility variable; wreck spans the exterior breakwall.
Permits: No formal permit required for observation; artifact removal prohibited.
Dive Support: Local dive shops in Muskegon area may assist with logistics and guidance.

Crew & Casualty Memorials

The crew of 25 was rescued in a widely witnessed operation; the only casualty was Coast Guardsman John Dipert. Local accounts and news coverage commemorate the heroism involved. There appears to be no formal memorial but local historical societies in Muskegon and Grand Haven note the incident in Coast Guard histories.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“All 25 men were brought to safety by line-throwing and breeches-buoy from the pier, but Coast Guardsman John Dipert was lost when the surfboat capsized.”
— Michigan Shipwrecks (MSRA) summary of Henry Cort wreck :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Official Number: 150587. Registry and ownership transferred from Soo Line to Bessemer Steamship Co. (1896), then to Pittsburgh Steamship Co./U.S. Steel (c.1901), and finally to Lake Ports Shipping & Navigation Co. circa 1927 after major rebuilds. Declared constructive total loss in late 1934; scrapped 1935. Insurance claims reportedly processed after Colchester Reef incidents and final loss; details in maritime insurance archives (not readily accessible).

Site Documentation & Imaging

In 2009, shipwreck researchers Valerie and Jack Van Heest conducted a survey and captured photographic documentation of the wreck. The remains, visible against the breakwall in shallow water, have been photographed multiple times, including during high-water exposure events. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Michigan Shipwreck Research Association – Henry Cort
• Wikipedia — SS Henry Cort
• West Michigan Underwater Preserve
• USCG Cutter _Escanaba_ – Military History of the Upper Great Lakes

References

• Michigan Shipwreck Research Association. “Henry Cort.” MSRA Database. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• “SS Henry Cort.” Wikipedia. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• “US Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba…” Military History of the Upper Great Lakes. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• “Silver Linings: High water and erosion uncovers hidden history” (notes on site visibility, 2020). :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

NOAA Shipwreck Record Card