Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hudson
- Type: Steel-hulled package freighter
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan
- Dimensions: 288 ft (87.8 m) x 41 ft (12.5 m) x 22.6 ft (6.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 2,294.14; Net: 1,853.37
- Depth at Wreck Site: 252 m / 825 ft
- Location: Lake Superior, off Eagle Harbor, Michigan
- Coordinates: Approx. 4 miles offshore (exact coordinates not public)
- Official Number: 95953
- Original Owners: Western Transit Company (NY Central affiliate)
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Hudson was a steel-hulled package freighter powered by a triple-expansion steam engine with three cylinders (23″/36″/62″ × 48″ stroke), producing 1,300 hp. Built by Detroit Dry Dock Company and designed by Frank E. Kirby, it had two Scotch boilers, one 13.6 ft diameter propeller, and a distinctive fore-and-aft funnel layout. Hudson was one of the most modern steamers of her time.
Description
Hudson was a steel-hulled package freighter powered by a triple-expansion steam engine with three cylinders (23″/36″/62″ × 48″ stroke), producing 1,300 hp. Built by Detroit Dry Dock Company and designed by Frank E. Kirby, it had two Scotch boilers, one 13.6 ft diameter propeller, and a distinctive fore-and-aft funnel layout. Hudson was one of the most modern steamers of her time.
History
Launched in November 1887 and completed in 1888 for the Western Transit Company, Hudson served the Buffalo–Chicago–Duluth grain routes. She was a sister to the steamer Harlem. In 1890, she collided with and sank the steamer City of Nicolet near Buffalo.
Significant Incidents
- In 1890, Hudson collided with and sank the steamer City of Nicolet near Buffalo.
Final Disposition
Believed to have foundered due to shifting cargo (flaxseed) and mechanical failure during a severe storm. The vessel sank rapidly and was considered a total loss. Her upper structures likely detached and drifted away.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Discovered in July 2019 by searchers Jerry Eliason and Kraig Smith using sonar and drop cameras. Located approx. 4 miles off Eagle Harbor in 825 ft (252 m) of water. Stern ID confirmed by visible lettering. The wreck lies at extreme depth, with no navigational hazard.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hudson-us-95953″ title=”References & Links”]
Hudson remains a significant wreck in Lake Superior, representing the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by vessels during severe weather conditions.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Other Names: None reported
Official Number: 95953
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Steel-hulled package freighter
Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan (Hull #82)
Year Built: 1888
Dimensions: 288 ft (87.8 m) x 41 ft (12.5 m) x 22.6 ft (6.9 m)
Tonnage: Gross: 2,294.14; Net: 1,853.37
Cargo on Final Voyage: Wheat and flaxseed
Date of Loss: 16 September 1901
Location: Lake Superior, off Eagle Harbor, Michigan
Coordinates: Approx. 4 miles offshore (exact coordinates not public)
Depth: ~825 ft (252 m)
Home Port: Buffalo, New York
Owners: Western Transit Company (NY Central affiliate)
Crew: 25
Casualties: All hands lost
Description
Hudson was a steel-hulled package freighter powered by a triple-expansion steam engine with three cylinders (23″/36″/62″ × 48″ stroke), producing 1,300 hp. Built by Detroit Dry Dock Company and designed by Frank E. Kirby, it had two Scotch boilers, one 13.6 ft diameter propeller, and a distinctive fore-and-aft funnel layout. Hudson was one of the most modern steamers of her time.
History
Launched in November 1887 and completed in 1888 for the Western Transit Company, Hudson served the Buffalo–Chicago–Duluth grain routes. She was a sister to the steamer Harlem. In 1890, she collided with and sank the steamer City of Nicolet near Buffalo.
Final Voyage Narrative and Context
Departed Duluth in September 1901 with 69,000 bushels of wheat and 22,500 bushels of flaxseed. On the night of September 15–16, a gale struck Lake Superior. Keepers at Eagle River saw the Hudson disabled, listing, and finally capsizing. The entire crew of 25 perished.
Final Dispositions
Believed to have foundered due to shifting cargo (flaxseed) and mechanical failure during a severe storm. The vessel sank rapidly and was considered a total loss. Her upper structures likely detached and drifted away.
Located By & Date Found
Discovered in July 2019 by searchers Jerry Eliason and Kraig Smith using sonar and drop cameras. Located approx. 4 miles off Eagle Harbor in 825 ft (252 m) of water. Stern ID confirmed by visible lettering.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted. Wreck lies at extreme depth, no navigational hazard.
Dive Information
Access: Boat only
Entry Point: Eagle Harbor, Michigan
Conditions: Deep water, extreme cold, visibility unknown
Depth Range: 825 ft (252 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie, Keweenaw County Sheriff
Permits: Required for research/recovery
Dive Support: Not applicable — ROV only due to depth
Crew & Casualty Memorials
25 men lost. No known public memorials. Crew list available via archival newspapers or Buffalo maritime records.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“Several lighthouse keepers in Eagle River, Michigan reported seeing Hudson dead in the water and listing badly. Eventually, she rolled over and sank, taking the lives of all 25 crew.” — Wikipedia
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official No. 95953. Registered Buffalo, NY. Insured for ~$180,000. Enrollment and insurance records archived at U.S. Customs, Buffalo.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Imaged by Eliason and Smith in 2019. Bow partially buried; stern sits 20 ft above lakebed. Upper decks missing. Photos and site report available via MPR News and ShipwreckWorld.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Wikipedia – SS Hudson
- MPR News Discovery Article
- BGSU Great Lakes Vessels Database
- ShipwreckWorld – Hudson Map
References
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: 95953
Coordinates: Approx. 4 miles offshore Eagle Harbor, MI
Depth: 825 ft (252 m)
Location Description: Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior
Vessel Type: Package Freighter
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 288 ft x 41 ft x 22.6 ft; 2294 GRT
Condition: Hull intact, superstructure missing
Cause of Loss: Foundered in storm; probable cargo shift
Discovery Date: July 2019
Discovered By: Jerry Eliason & Kraig Smith
Method: Sonar and drop camera
Legal Notes: Under U.S. jurisdiction; no salvage permitted
Hazards: None known
Permits Required: Yes, for research or documentation
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