Seattle – Lake Huron Freighter Shipwreck (1903)

Explore the wreck of the Seattle, a wooden steamer lost in a gale on Lake Huron in 1903. All crew survived, but the vessel’s remains are likely scattered.

wrecked 7 sources on file
WaterbodyLake Huron
Loss year1903
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Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Seattle
  • Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
  • Year Built: 1892
  • Builder: TBD (likely by a U.S. Great Lakes shipyard)
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: TBD
  • Location: Lake Huron, downbound toward Saginaw Bay
  • Coordinates: Approximate location near Sand Beach Township
  • Official Number: TBD
  • Original Owners: TBD
  • Number of Masts: TBD

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled propeller steamer primarily used for transporting lumber.

Description

Description

The Seattle was a wooden steamer built in 1892, designed for cargo transport, particularly lumber. The vessel had a crew complement of 11 at the time of its loss.

History

History

The Seattle was built in 1892, likely by a U.S. Great Lakes shipyard. It served primarily in the lumber trade until its loss in 1903.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

  • Date: November 12, 1903
  • Incident Overview: Caught in a violent gale, the vessel sprang a leak, extinguishing her fires and leaving her without propulsion. She drifted until grounding, suffering irreparable damage from pounding waves.
  • Fatalities: None; all 11 crew members survived without serious injury.
  • Rescue: Crew were safely evacuated, likely assisted by other vessels.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

The Seattle likely broke apart upon grounding and suffered surf-driven damage. Its wooden structure is unlikely to have survived intact, and the current remains are probably buried or dispersed in shallow nearshore sediments.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

No documented surveys or diving reports exist for the Seattle. The wreck is presumed to be broken and dispersed, with limited visibility of remains.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”seattle-1892″ title=”References & Links”]

Summary

The Seattle, a North American wooden steamer built in 1892, was lost on November 12, 1903, after taking on water during a severe gale on Lake Huron. Flooded boilers left her helpless, and she grounded. Thankfully, all 11 on board survived. The stranded vessel likely broke apart along the shore. With limited documentation, no dive or archaeological surveys have confirmed remains. However, archival research and coastal survey could shed light on her final resting place.

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