Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Joseph C. Suit
- Type: Wooden steam screw vessel
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: James C. Elliott, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: 110 ft (33.53 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 318 gross tons
- Location: Detroit River
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Joseph C. Suit was a wooden steam screw vessel, approximately 110 feet in length, built for passenger and freight transport in the Detroit River.
Description
Constructed in 1884 by James C. Elliott in Saugatuck, Michigan, the Joseph C. Suit served as a vital link in regional trade for nearly 30 years. The vessel was designed to accommodate both passengers and freight, reflecting the transportation needs of the time.
History
Throughout her service, the Joseph C. Suit operated primarily in the Detroit River, contributing to the bustling trade and transportation network of the Great Lakes region. Her operational history showcases the evolution of maritime transport during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents include:
- On November 9, 1912, while securely tied to her dock in Detroit, the Joseph C. Suit was rammed by the newly launched 425-foot steel passenger steamer City of Detroit III.
- A miscommunication in propulsion during the departure of the City of Detroit III resulted in a violent collision, dragging the Suit nearly 200 feet downstream.
- Despite the severity of the impact, all nine individuals aboard the Joseph C. Suit evacuated safely.
Final Disposition
The collision caused severe damage to the Joseph C. Suit, leading to her being declared a total constructive loss shortly after the incident. The vessel sank almost immediately following the collision, marking the end of her nearly three-decade service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is confirmed that the Joseph C. Suit sank in the Detroit River. Accessibility for divers may vary based on local regulations and environmental conditions.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Joseph C. Suit serves as a poignant reminder of the operational hazards faced by vessels in busy ports during the early 20th century. The incident underscores the importance of communication and safety protocols in maritime operations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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