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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”senator-blood-1863″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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.
(Steam Schooner / Tug, 1863–1896)
Incident Overview
- 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: High winds and seas drove her onto shore (aground); she was wrecked beyond repair
- Location: Beaching occurred along Lake Huron’s shore—likely near DeTour or on Huron side
Vessel & Operational Details
- Name & Service: Referred to as Senator Blood in HCGL’s “turn P” logs
- Function: Most likely a steam-powered schooner or tug used in commercial coal transport
- Cargo: Approximately 575 tons of coal
- Casualties: None reported — crew survived the grounding
Summary
On November 13, 1896, Senator Blood, loaded with ~575 tons of coal en route from Cleveland to DeTour, was overwhelmed by a gale on Lake Huron. The vessel was driven ashore and declared a total wreck. No lives were lost in the incident.
Gaps & Suggested Research
| Missing Detail | Why It Matters | Recommended Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Exact build data, tonnage, official number | To fully identify the vessel | HCGL enrollment archives, maritime registries |
| Nearest shoreline point where grounded | For mapping and dive potential | Local newspapers (e.g., Sault Daily Star, DeTour Village News); harbor logs |
| Crew names & evacuation account | Adds historical detail and human context | Newspaper survivor interviews, Life-Saving Service records |
| Salvage & insurance records | Details on wreck disposition or attempted recovery | Marine insurers, U.S. Coast Guard / Harbor Commission logs |
| Context of 1896 gale | Helps correlate weather event | NOAA / historical weather archives |
Next Research Steps
If you’d like, I can assist with:
- Retrieving newspaper reports from Nov 1896 detailing the storm and wreck (DeTour, St. Ignace, Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie dailies)
- Accessing HCGL or maritime registers to secure vessel specifications and construction information
- Searching for Life-Saving Station logs in the relevant coastal area to document rescue or grounding details
- Finding insurance or salvage logs that cover the total loss on that stormy November day