SS Carl D. Bradley – Lake Michigan Freighter Shipwreck (1958)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: SS Carl D. Bradley
• Type: Steel-hulled self-unloading Great Lakes freighter
• Year Built: 1927
• Builder: American Ship Building Company, Lorain, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 638 ft 9 in (194.6 m); Beam: 35 ft 2 in (10.7 m); Depth of hold: 33 ft (~10.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Net tons ~17,600
• Depth at Wreck Site: 113 m / 370 ft
• Location: Lake Michigan, approximately 12 miles southwest of Gull Island, near Beaver Island
• Coordinates: Approx. 12 miles SW of Gull Island, Lake Michigan; depth ~360 ft (110 m)
• Official Number: 226744
• Original Owners: Michigan Limestone division of U.S. Steel, operated by Bradley Transportation Company
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The SS Carl D. Bradley was a steel-hulled, self-unloading Great Lakes freighter launched in 1927 by the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio. At over 638 feet in length and net tonnage near 17,600, she was among the largest freighters on the Great Lakes, holding the title “Queen of the Lakes” for over two decades. She was built for the Michigan Limestone division of U.S. Steel and operated by Bradley Transportation Company, primarily hauling limestone from Rogers City, Michigan. Her modern features included self-unloading systems, advanced crew accommodations, and a layout optimized for the heavy bulk trade.

Description

The SS Carl D. Bradley was a steel-hulled, self-unloading Great Lakes freighter launched in 1927 by the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio. At over 638 feet in length and net tonnage near 17,600, she was among the largest freighters on the Great Lakes, holding the title “Queen of the Lakes” for over two decades. She was built for the Michigan Limestone division of U.S. Steel and operated by Bradley Transportation Company, primarily hauling limestone from Rogers City, Michigan. Her modern features included self-unloading systems, advanced crew accommodations, and a layout optimized for the heavy bulk trade.

History

Commissioned in 1927, the Carl D. Bradley served in the dense limestone-and-ore trade across the Great Lakes. She set cargo records and was known for her size and speed. Despite her strength, she showed signs of age and structural issues—rusting holds and weakened bulkheads—over her 31 seasons. Notable incidents include collisions and groundings, though none resulted in total loss. Plans were underway to lay her up for extensive repairs in Manitowoc after the 1958 season.

Significant Incidents

• On 18 November 1958, while in ballast and returning from Gary, Indiana toward Manitowoc for winter lay-up, the freighter encountered a severe storm over Lake Michigan.
• As winds and waves intensified, she began to suffer structural failure, leading to her breaking in two.
• 33 of the 35 crew members aboard perished, with only Frank Mays and Elmer Fleming surviving.

Final Disposition

On 18 November 1958, while in ballast and returning from Gary, Indiana toward Manitowoc for winter lay-up, the freighter encountered a severe storm over Lake Michigan. As winds and waves intensified, she began to suffer structural failure. Around 5:35 p.m., a loud thud was heard, followed by a noticeable sag in the midships section. The vessel broke in two—her stern plunged first while the bow tipped and sank. Crew launched life-saving efforts, but the raging seas claimed 33 of the 35 aboard. Only Frank Mays and Elmer Fleming survived after enduring hours in a liferaft and were rescued by the USCG cutter Sundew. The wreck was later located in deep water, and the vessel’s remains were declared a total loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in deep water (~360 ft) and presents minimal navigational hazard due to depth. Divers and researchers are advised to proceed with caution due to decompression, cold temperatures, and remote location.

Resources & Links

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Thirty-three crew members perished in the sinking. Two survivors—Frank Mays and Elmer Fleming—relayed harrowing accounts of the ship’s breakup and their survival. A public memorial exists in Rogers City’s Lakeside Park, including the recovered bell and annual commemorations. Memorial services and funds were organized for the families. The event remains central in Rogers City maritime history.