Regina

GPS: 43.252722, -82.452583

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: SS Regina
• Type: Steel Freighter
• Year Built: 1907
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 250 ft (76.2 m); Beam: 41 ft (12.5 m); Depth of hold: Approximately 80 ft (24.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 24.4 m / 80 ft
• Location: Between Lexington and Port Sanilac, Michigan
• Coordinates: 43° 20.454’N 82° 26.895’W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The SS Regina was a steel freighter built in 1907, designed for transporting bulk cargo. The ship was a modern vessel for its time, but like many freighters, it was top-heavy when carrying dense cargo such as sewer pipes. This design feature, combined with the powerful storms of the Great Lakes, contributed to its vulnerability during extreme weather conditions.

Description

The SS Regina embarked on what would be its final voyage on November 9, 1913, heading north on Lake Huron. That evening, the Great Storm of 1913—one of the deadliest and most destructive storms in the history of the region—swept across the area. With waves towering up to 38 feet (11.6 meters) and gale-force winds, the conditions were beyond anything the Regina could endure.

Realizing the severity of the storm, the crew anchored the vessel approximately 7 miles east of Lexington, Michigan, and shut down all power in an attempt to ride out the storm. Tragically, the ship capsized and sank, claiming the lives of all on board. In the aftermath, the wreckage began to surface. Near Port Franks, Ontario, lifeboats and debris from the Regina washed ashore, along with several bodies. Initially, confusion surrounded the circumstances of the sinking, with theories of a collision with the Charles S. Price, another ship lost in the storm. However, divers later confirmed no evidence of a collision.

History

The SS Regina was discovered in 1986 by a team of divers—Wayne Brusate, Garry Biniecki, and John Severance—lying upside down at the bottom of Lake Huron, about 77–80 feet (23–24 meters) deep. The wreck is largely intact, though inverted. Artifacts recovered in a 1987 expedition, including bottles of Scotch and Champagne, provide a glimpse into life aboard the freighter and its final journey.

Significant Incidents

• The SS Regina capsized and sank during the Great Storm of 1913, claiming all lives on board.
• Initial confusion regarding the sinking included theories of a collision with the Charles S. Price, which were later disproven.

Final Disposition

The SS Regina was discovered in 1986, resting between Lexington and Port Sanilac, Michigan. The location was confirmed during subsequent surveys and archaeological explorations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the SS Regina is well-preserved and lies at a diveable depth of 80 feet (24 meters), making it accessible to experienced divers. The upside-down position adds a unique challenge for navigation. The intact structure offers a fascinating view into early 20th-century Great Lakes freighter design. However, the wreck’s status as a historical site requires divers to exercise caution and respect the site.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the SS Regina during the Great Storm of 1913 epitomizes the challenges faced by mariners in navigating these inland seas. The discovery and exploration of the wreck offer both historical insight and a solemn tribute to those who perished in one of the region’s most catastrophic storms. The SS Regina continues to serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Great Lakes’ maritime history.