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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Vessel Construction
- Built: 1892 (likely by a U.S. Great Lakes shipyard; exact builder TBD)
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Cargo: Primarily lumber
- Crew Complement: 11 aboard at time of incident
Final Voyage & Loss Details
- Date: November 12, 1903
- Route & Departure: Downbound Lake Huron with lumber load
- Incident Overview: Caught in a violent gale, the vessel sprang a leak. The flooding extinguished her fires, leaving her without propulsion. Helpless and unsteered, she drifted until grounding. Waves pounded the hull repeatedly, wrecking her irreparably (YouTube, uslhs.org).
Crew & Casualty Details
- Fatalities: None—”none of 11″ crew members survived without serious injury (YouTube)
- Rescue: Crew were safely evacuated; likely assisted by other vessels or rescued following stranding
Incident Location & Environment
- Approximate location: Lake Huron, downbound toward Saginaw Bay
- Likely grounding site: Sandy shoreline or reef near Sand Beach Township or similar coastal area
- Environmental conditions: Gale winds, high seas—typical late-autumn storm system
Archival & Source Records
- Listed in Great Lakes Shipwreck Files; details highlighted in maritime disaster summaries (YouTube, Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- YouTube reference documenting “Huron type of loss: storm… She sprang a leak in gale… her fires were flooded out…” (YouTube)
Preservation & Discovery Status
- Wreck condition: Most likely broken upon grounding and surf-driven damage; wooden structure unlikely to have survived intact
- Current remains: Probably buried or dispersed in shallow nearshore sediments; no documented surveys or diving reports
Future Research Opportunities
| Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Builder & Specs | Search vessel registries (e.g., American Bureau of Shipping or U.S. Customs) for “Seattle,” built 1892 |
| Newspaper Archives | Review Huron Basin and Michigan newspapers (Nov 1903) for stranding location and rescue details |
| Meteorological Data | Analyze storm charts from November 1903 to pinpoint gale track and grounding area |
| Shoreline Survey | Conduct beach & nearshore assessments in probable areas for visible deck or framing remains |
| Life-Saving Records | Consult U.S. Life-Saving Service reports for crew rescue and documentation |
Summary
The Seattle, a North American wooden steamer built in 1892, was lost on November 12, 1903, after throwing a leak 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.
seattle-1892 1903-11-12 16:39:00