Lloyd S. Porter – Lake Ontario Barge Shipwreck (1917)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Lloyd S. Porter
• Type: Steambarge
• Year Built: 1893
• Builder: Jenks Shipbuilding Co., Port Huron, Michigan, USA
• Dimensions: Length not specified (likely 150–200 ft); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Little Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Lloyd S. Porter was a wooden steambarge, a common workhorse on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Steambarges like the Lloyd S. Porter were primarily designed for carrying large quantities of bulk materials such as lumber, coal, and stone. These vessels featured robust construction and steam propulsion, allowing them to efficiently navigate the often-challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

The Lloyd S. Porter was built in 1893 by Jenks Shipbuilding Co. in Port Huron, Michigan. The vessel served as a vital link in the transportation of essential goods, particularly lumber and coal, which were crucial for construction and industry during this period.

Over nearly 25 years of service, the Lloyd S. Porter navigated the Great Lakes, enduring harsh weather and the demands of heavy cargo transport. By the early 20th century, however, wooden steambarges were being eclipsed by steel-hulled vessels that were more durable and capable of carrying larger loads.

History

In 1917, while loading coal at North Fairhaven, New York (now Fair Haven), the vessel caught fire under unclear circumstances. The blaze rendered the vessel unsalvageable, and it was scuttled in Little Sodus Bay, where it remains submerged to this day.

Significant Incidents

• Date of Incident: 1917
• Cause of Loss: Fire while loading coal
• Action Taken: The vessel was scuttled in Little Sodus Bay to prevent it from becoming a navigational hazard.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Lloyd S. Porter is known to be in Little Sodus Bay, but specific discovery details or a detailed survey of the wreck have not been widely documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Lloyd S. Porter is presumed to remain in Little Sodus Bay. Its condition is likely consistent with other wooden wrecks of the period, with significant degradation due to over a century of submersion. As it was scuttled in relatively shallow waters, the site could be accessible to divers and potentially offers insights into the construction and operation of Great Lakes steambarges.

Resources & Links

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The Lloyd S. Porter exemplifies the vital role steambarges played in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Built during a period of industrial growth, the vessel served its purpose for nearly 25 years, transporting essential goods across the lakes. Its fiery end in 1917 and subsequent scuttling in Little Sodus Bay reflect both the hazards of Great Lakes shipping and the transition from wooden to steel-hulled vessels during the early 20th century. The wreck remains a submerged historical artifact, offering a window into the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the enduring legacy of steambarges on the Great Lakes.