Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Etruria
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder: West Bay City Shipbuilding Co.
- Dimensions: 434 ft long; Beam 50 ft; Depth of hold 28 ft
- Registered Tonnage: approx. 4,653 GRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 94 m / 310 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, approximately 10 miles off Presque Isle Light
- Coordinates: N 45°28.981′ W 83°28.4198′
- Official Number: 136977
- Original Owners: Hawgood Transit Co.
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
SS Etruria was a steel-hulled bulk freighter designed for transporting cargo, primarily coal, across the Great Lakes.
Description
The SS Etruria was launched on February 8, 1902, and was notable for its size and capacity, being one of the largest freighters of its time.
History
After being enrolled on April 12, 1902, the Etruria served in the Great Lakes shipping industry until its sinking in 1905.
Significant Incidents
- On June 18, 1905, the Etruria was struck by the downbound steel freighter Amasa Stone in heavy fog, leading to its capsizing and sinking.
- All crew members were rescued by the nearby vessel Maritana.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Etruria was discovered on May 17, 2011, during NOAA’s Project Shiphunt, confirmed to be upside-down at a depth of approximately 310 feet.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies largely intact, with about 405 feet of hull exposed. It is designated as part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and requires advanced technical diving or ROV operations for access.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ss-etruria-us-136977″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the Etruria marked a significant event in Great Lakes maritime history, highlighting navigation challenges and legal implications of maritime collisions in the early 20th century.
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.
(steel bulk freighter, 1902–1905)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Etruria
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter
- Built: Launched February 8, 1902, by West Bay City Shipbuilding Co. (West Bay City, MI); enrolled April 12, 1902; Official No. 136977; approx. 4,653 GRT; depth 28 ft (Wikipedia)
- Dimensions: 434 ft long, 50 ft beam (Wikipedia)
- Cargo: Coal (7,000 tons capacity) (Wikipedia)
Collision & Sinking
- On June 18, 1905, while upbound from Toledo to Superior in heavy fog, Etruria was struck on her starboard side near hatch No. 9 by the downbound steel freighter Amasa Stone, approximately 10 miles off Presque Isle Light in Lake Huron (Wikipedia).
- Etruria capsized and sank within five minutes in about 310–317 ft (94–97 m) of water. All crew were rescued by nearby vessel Maritana (Wikipedia).
Court Ruling & Liability
- The collision led to Hawgood Transit Co. v. Mesaba S.S. Co., adjudicated by the Sixth Circuit on January 22, 1909. Both vessels were held negligent: Amasa Stone for excessive speed and lack of lookout; Etruria for failing to properly respond to passing signals and not stopping promptly (vLex).
Discovery & Wreck Condition
- The wreck was located on May 17, 2011 as part of NOAA’s “Project Shiphunt” and was confirmed upside-down in ~310 ft of water (Wikipedia).
- It lies inverted, largely intact: about 405 ft hull exposed, bow elevated slightly, stern partly buried, with superstructure and anchors still in place (Wikipedia).
Site Status & Diving Notes
- This wreck is designated as part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (GPS: N 45°28.981′ W 83°28.4198′).
- At ~310 ft, it requires advanced technical diving or ROV operations. Mooring buoys are installed to protect the site (Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary).
Historical Significance
- At sinking, Etruria was the largest freighter lost on the Great Lakes to date (Wikipedia).
- The incident underscores early-20th-century navigation challenges in fog and the legal importance of proper signaling and speed adherence.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Collision Partner | Amasa Stone |
| Casualties | None—crew rescued |
| Wreck Depth | 310–317 ft (94–97 m) |
| Discovery | 2011 by NOAA |
| Protection Status | Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary |
| Legal Outcome | Joint liability in 1909 Sixth Circuit ruling |