Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: PORTER CHAMBERLAIN
- Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freight Ship
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: A. Kenyon, Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 134 ft (40.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 280 tons
- Location: Near Gore Bay, Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Official Number: US 150067
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The PORTER CHAMBERLAIN was a wooden propeller bulk freight ship constructed in 1874. Designed for transporting various bulk goods, the vessel was a crucial part of the maritime cargo transport industry on the Great Lakes. Its wooden structure and propeller-driven design were typical of the vessels of its era, making it suitable for the transportation of lumber and other bulk cargoes.
Description
Launched in 1874, the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN quickly became a vital link in the transportation network of the Great Lakes. The vessel, built by A. Kenyon in Marine City, Michigan, was specifically designed to handle the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes while transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber. Throughout its operational years, the ship underwent significant repairs in 1883, which were likely necessary to maintain its structural integrity and ensure its continued service.
History
On November 11, 1901, while navigating Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN grounded on a reef off Darch Island. Shortly after this incident, a fire broke out on board, rapidly engulfing the vessel in flames. Despite the crew’s efforts, the fire could not be contained, and the ship was burned to the waterline. Tragically, its consort, the H.J. WEBB, also succumbed to the same fate. The PORTER CHAMBERLAIN was carrying a cargo of lumber at the time of the fire, resulting in a significant financial loss.
Significant Incidents
- November 11, 1901: The PORTER CHAMBERLAIN grounded on a reef off Darch Island and subsequently caught fire, leading to its destruction.
Final Disposition
The PORTER CHAMBERLAIN was completely destroyed by the fire on November 11, 1901. Burned down to the waterline, the vessel was lost along with its cargo of lumber. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but the destruction of both the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN and the H.J. WEBB marked a significant loss in the maritime industry. The ship’s master, Captain Schutte, and the operator, W. O. Smith, were both deeply affected by this tragic incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact wreck site of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN remains largely undocumented, as the vessel was burned to the waterline. There has been no confirmed discovery of significant remnants. Mariners and divers interested in exploring the site should consult with local authorities for the most up-to-date information and safety advisories.
Resources & Links
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The destruction of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of maritime life, particularly during an era when wooden ships were vulnerable to fires and other catastrophic events. Despite being a well-built and essential vessel in the Great Lakes’ cargo transport network, the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN’s end came swiftly and tragically, compounded by the loss of its valuable cargo and the simultaneous destruction of its consort, the H.J. WEBB. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of life at sea and the potential for disaster, even for the most robust of vessels. The loss of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN continues to resonate in maritime history as an example of the many perils faced by ships and their crews on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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