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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lloyd-s-porter-1893″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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.
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 & SITE INFORMATION
- Name: Lloyd S. Porter
- Type: Steambarge
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: Jenks Shipbuilding Co., Port Huron, Michigan, USA
- Hull Material: Wood
- Length: Not specified (likely typical for steambarges of the period: 150–200 feet)
- Primary Use: Transporting lumber and coal
- Final Resting Place: Little Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Depth at Wreck Site: Not documented but likely accessible for divers given its scuttling location.
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
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.
HISTORY
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.
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.
FINAL DISPOSITION
- 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.
LOCATED BY & DATE
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.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Lloyd S. Porter wreck. Divers and mariners in the Little Sodus Bay area should remain cautious due to potential underwater hazards.
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
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical accounts and records of vessels like the Lloyd S. Porter.
- Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario: Resources for identifying and exploring wrecks in Lake Ontario, including potential dive site information.
- Jenks Shipbuilding Co. Archives: Any available historical data on vessels constructed by this Port Huron shipbuilder.
KEYWORDS•Lloyd S. Porter•Steambarge•Little Sodus Bay•Great Lakes Shipwrecks•Coal Transport•Jenks Shipbuilding Co. Lake Ontario Wrecks
ANALYSIS
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.
lloyd-s-porter-47 1917-03-14 07:52:00