Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Samoa
- Type: Wooden / composite steam propeller bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Co., Wyandotte / Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions: 281 ft × 41 ft × 20 ft (≈ 85.6 × 12.5 × 6.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 2,134 gross / 1,622 net
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 60 ft
- Location: Torch Lake near canal entrance, Portage Ship Canal
- Coordinates: 47.09.900 / 088.24.450 (unconfirmed approximate)
- Official Number: 145513
- Original Owners: Capt. H. Baker (Detroit) at time of loss
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Samoa (originally Thomas W. Palmer) was a large wooden (or composite) steam-propelled bulk freighter built in 1880 by Detroit Dry Dock Co. (hull #90). Her hull form and steam machinery would have been typical of Great Lakes freighters of the era: large hold capacity for bulk cargo, single screw propulsion, boilers and engine amidships. Her size (281 ft) made her one of the larger wooden steamers of her time in the Lakes. According to one listing, she was of composite construction (wood with metal framing) rather than pure wood. Her structural features would have included bulkheads, deck houses fore and aft, boiler room and engine compartment, and hatches for loading/unloading bulk cargo.
Description
Launched in 1880 as Thomas W. Palmer from Detroit Dry Dock Co. for owner William Livingston of Detroit (or associated interests), she operated in Great Lakes bulk trade. In 1889 she was renamed Samoa. Over her operational life, she likely carried ore, coal, and other bulk cargoes typical of lake commerce.
History
On 20–21 September 1909, Samoa was tied up at the Osceola Mills dock in Hubbell (Hubbell, Michigan, on Torch Lake) to pick up a load of copper tailings / mining refuse. During a thunderstorm, she was struck by lightning, which ignited a blaze. The fire rapidly consumed her superstructure and deckhouses, especially given the wooden framing and cargo of dusty tailings that likely exacerbated the fire. To prevent damage to the dock, she was towed out into deeper water. The towline eventually burned through, leaving her adrift. She then sank, settling near the Torch Lake canal entrance area. No crew loss is recorded.
Significant Incidents
- Struck by lightning during a storm on 20–21 September 1909, leading to a fire that consumed the vessel.
- Burned down to the waterline and was abandoned, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
The cause of loss was direct ignition from lightning during a storm, leading to an uncontrollable fire. The ship burned down to the waterline and was then abandoned / allowed to sink in deep water. The vessel is considered a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Her remains now are partially buried, settled into soft bottom sediments (especially from subsequent tailings dumping and dredging in Torch Lake) such that much of her structure may be obscured or collapsed. According to accounts, she does not “scan well” (weak sonar reflectivity) and gives a soft target, indicating she lies partially embedded.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”samoa-us-145513-thomas-w-palmer” title=”References & Links”]
The wreck was discovered roughly two decades ago by divers Randy Beebe and Mark Lanctôt in the canal area near the entrance of Torch Lake. Video from that survey shows she is buried in sediment, with machinery (boiler, engines, bow gear) still present. Divers should treat the site with caution due to its buried nature and soft sonar signature.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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