Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Isaac M. Scott
- Type: Lake freighter (bulk carrier)
- Year Built: 1909
- Builder: American Shipbuilding Company, Lorain, Ohio
- Dimensions: 504 ft (153.6 m) length, 54 ft (16.5 m) beam
- Registered Tonnage: 6,372 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 55 m / 180 ft
- Location: Lake Huron (off Thunder Bay Island)
- Coordinates: 45°03.920′N, 83°02.353′W
- Official Number: 206485
- Original Owners: Mahoning Steamship Company
- Number of Masts: Single screw
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The SS Isaac M. Scott was a steel-hulled Great Lakes bulk freighter, designed for transporting cargoes such as coal, ore, and grain. She was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine and featured a single screw, making her one of the larger freighters of her time.
Description
The SS Isaac M. Scott was launched in 1909 and was notable for her size and cargo capacity. She was primarily used for hauling bulk materials across the Great Lakes, contributing significantly to the shipping industry of the region.
History
On July 12, 1909, during her maiden voyage, the Isaac M. Scott collided with the John B. Cowle in fog near Whitefish Point, resulting in the sinking of the Cowle and the loss of 14 lives. The Scott was repaired at a cost of $30,000 and continued her service until her final voyage in November 1913, carrying coal to Milwaukee. She was caught in the Great Lakes Storm, last seen by the H.B. Hawgood near Tawas Point before disappearing. Bodies and wreckage later washed ashore on the Ontario coast.
Significant Incidents
- July 12, 1909: Collided with the John B. Cowle, resulting in the Cowle’s sinking and 14 fatalities.
- November 9, 1913: Sank during the Great Lakes Storm, with all 28 crew members lost.
Final Disposition
The Isaac M. Scott sank during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913. Her wreck lies inverted in approximately 180 ft of water off Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron. Tragically, no crew members survived the sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was discovered in 1976 by divers affiliated with the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It lies within the sanctuary and is protected under sanctuary laws. The site is accessible by boat, with conditions typically featuring cold thermoclines, low visibility, and minimal current.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ss-isaac-m-scott-1909″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As a diver, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles and take only memories. The wreck of the SS Isaac M. Scott serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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