Senator Blood – Lake Huron Schooner Shipwreck (1896)

Explore the wreck of the Senator Blood, a steam schooner that succumbed to a gale on Lake Huron in 1896, leaving behind a rich history of maritime transport.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Senator Blood
  • Type: Steam Schooner / Tug
  • Year Built: 1863
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 575 tons
  • Location: Lake Huron, likely near DeTour

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Steam Schooner / Tug, primarily used for commercial coal transport.

Description

The Senator Blood was a steam-powered vessel, likely functioning as a schooner or tug, designed for the transportation of coal. On November 13, 1896, while laden with approximately 575 tons of coal, the vessel encountered a severe gale on Lake Huron, which ultimately led to its grounding and total wreck.

History

Constructed in 1863, the Senator Blood served in the coal transport industry, operating primarily between Cleveland and DeTour. The vessel was noted in historical records, particularly in HCGL’s logs, indicating its significance in maritime commerce during its operational years.

Significant Incidents

  • Date of Incident: November 13, 1896
  • Route: Laden with 575 tons of coal, bound from Cleveland to DeTour (Straits of Mackinac)
  • Weather/Event: Hit by a severe gale on Lake Huron
  • Loss: Driven onto shore and wrecked beyond repair
  • Location: Likely near DeTour or on the Huron side

Final Disposition

The Senator Blood was declared a total wreck after being driven ashore by high winds and seas. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and the crew survived the incident.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not documented, and further research is needed to ascertain its state and accessibility for diving.

Resources & Links

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Further investigation into the Senator Blood’s history, including its construction details and the circumstances surrounding its grounding, is encouraged to enrich the understanding of this maritime incident.

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Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

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