Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: S.S. Howard L. Shaw
• Type: Steel-Hulled Lake Freighter
• Year Built: 1900
• Builder: American Shipbuilding Company, Lorain, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 510 ft (155.4 m); Beam: 53 ft (16.2 m); Depth of hold: 32 ft (9.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Approx. 6,000 gross tons
• Location: Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: 43°28'59.4"N 79°36'29.4"W
• Original Owners: Shaw Steamship Company

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw was a steel-hulled bulk freighter designed to transport materials such as iron ore, coal, grain, and limestone. Built at the turn of the century, it was part of a wave of modern steel freighters that replaced aging wooden ships, marking the evolution of Great Lakes shipping.

Description

Construction and Early Career Launched in 1900 by the American Shipbuilding Company, the Shaw was named after Howard L. Shaw, a prominent figure in shipping and maritime industries. It entered service at a time when the demand for bulk transportation on the Great Lakes was skyrocketing due to the growth of heavy industry, particularly in steel production. The ship was powered by a reciprocating steam engine, a reliable technology of the era, making it efficient for long hauls across the Great Lakes.

History

Operational Service The S.S. Howard L. Shaw became a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, carrying heavy cargoes between ports like Duluth, Chicago, Buffalo, and Cleveland. Like other freighters of its time, the Shaw contributed to the transportation of raw materials for the booming industrial cities in the U.S. and Canada, playing a critical role in the region’s economic development.

Significant Incidents

Final Years and Fate Details regarding the final disposition of the Howard L. Shaw are unclear in existing records. However, vessels of this type typically faced the following fates: Retirement and Scrapping: Many early 20th-century steel freighters were retired and scrapped by the mid-20th century as newer, larger, and more efficient vessels replaced them. Conversion: Some freighters were repurposed as barges or breakwalls, extending their usefulness even after their sailing careers ended.

Final Disposition

Historical Significance: The Howard L. Shaw represented the transition from wooden to steel hulls, a pivotal shift in Great Lakes shipping that enabled larger cargo capacities and improved durability. Economic Contribution: Ships like the Shaw were instrumental in transporting the materials needed for industrialization, helping to fuel the economic boom of the early 20th century in both the U.S. and Canada. Legacy of Early Steel Freighters: As one of the earlier steel freighters, the Shaw helped pave the way for future advances in shipbuilding and Great Lakes transportation.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw remains a subject of interest for maritime historians and divers alike. While its exact condition is not documented, it is important to approach any exploration of the wreck with respect and adherence to local regulations. Divers are encouraged to utilize no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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The S.S. Howard L. Shaw was a pioneering steel freighter that played a significant role in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Launched in 1900, it embodied the technological and industrial advancements of its time. While its ultimate fate remains uncertain, the Shaw’s service underscores the importance of bulk freighters in shaping the economy and maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Further research may shed light on the later years of this historic vessel.