Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Leafield
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter (cargo ship)
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: Strand Slipway Co., Sunderland, England
- Dimensions: Approx. 249 ft (76 m) length; 35.2 ft beam; 16.6 ft depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Gross tonnage ~1,454 GT, Net ~922 NT
- Location: Off Angus Islands, Lake Superior
- Original Owners: Algoma Central Steamship Co., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled bulk freighter designed for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
The SS Leafield was a steel-hulled bulk freighter built in 1892. It was primarily used for transporting coal, grain, and iron ore on the Great Lakes, particularly servicing busy ports like Sault Ste. Marie.
History
After its delivery, the Leafield operated under the Algoma Central Steamship Company, engaging in trade routes that were vital for the regional economy. Its service history included transporting various cargoes until its final voyage in 1913.
Significant Incidents
- Final Voyage: On November 9, 1913, the Leafield was en route from Sault Ste. Marie to Fort William, carrying steel rails to Midland, ON.
- Storm Incident: The vessel was caught in the Great Storm of 1913, also known as the White Hurricane, which caused severe weather conditions across the Great Lakes.
- Grounding: The Leafield grounded off Angus Islands, sustaining damage that led to its sinking in deep water.
- Casualties: All 18 crew members aboard were lost during the incident.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the SS Leafield has not been located as of 2025. It remains part of the lore surrounding the Great Storm of 1913, which claimed numerous vessels and lives.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in deep water off Angus Islands in Lake Superior and is still missing. Its exact location remains unknown, contributing to the historical significance of the storm.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ss-leafield-1892″ title=”References & Links”]
The SS Leafield is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels during severe weather events. Its loss during the Great Storm of 1913 highlights the perils of maritime navigation in the region.
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.
IDENTIFICATION
- Name: SS Leafield
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter (cargo ship)
- Builder: Strand Slipway Co., Sunderland, England (Hull #89), launched 1892 (Great Lakes Vessel History, Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
- Initial Registry: Newcastle upon Tyne, England; later transferred (c.1900) to Algoma Central Steamship Co., Sault Ste. Marie, ON (Wikipedia)
- Dimensions: Approx. 249 ft length, 35.2 ft beam, 16.6 ft depth; Gross tonnage ~1,454 GT, Net ~922 NT (Wikipedia)
SERVICE HISTORY
After delivery, Leafield carried coal, grain, and iron ore on the Great Lakes under Algoma Central, notably servicing busy ports like Sault Ste. Marie (Wikipedia).
FINAL VOYAGE & SINKING
- Incident Date: November 9, 1913
- Route: En route from Sault Ste. Marie to Fort William, carrying steel rails to Midland, ON (Great Lakes Vessel History)
- Circumstances: Caught in the infamous “Great Storm” or “White Hurricane”—a violent extratropical storm that struck the Great Lakes November 7–10, 1913 (Wikipedia). Leafield grounded off Angus Islands (Georgian Bay), tearing a hole in the hull, then slipped off and sank in deep water in Lake Superior (Wikipedia).
- Casualties: All 18 crew members aboard were lost (Wikipedia)
- Wreck Status: As of 2025, the wreck has not been located (Wikipedia)
CONTEXT: THE GREAT LAKES STORM OF 1913 (“The White Hurricane”)
A catastrophic four‑day storm with hurricane‑force winds (90 mph+), 35‑50 ft waves, and blizzard conditions ravaged the Great Lakes. It obliterated 19 ships, stranded 19 others, and claimed over 250 lives (Wikipedia). Leafield was among the major freighters lost that day.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Historical: Leafield is one of only two large freighters lost on Lake Superior during the 1913 storm, along with Henry B. Smith. It exemplifies the extreme perils that wooden and steel Great Lakes vessels faced in seasonal November gales (Wikipedia).
- Discovery Status: Still missing—lies in deep water off Angus Islands. Its sinking remains part of the lore surrounding the storm’s devastation (lakefury.com).