Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Myron (formerly Mark Hopkins)
- Type: Wooden steamer (lumber hooker)
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Grand Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: Not documented
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Not precisely documented
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Capt. Harris Baker (at launch); renamed Myron in 1902 under later ownership
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
SS Myron was a wooden steam-powered freighter designed as a “lumber hooker.” These vessels were built to carry heavy lumber cargoes and often towed additional schooner barges to expand their hauling capacity. She represented the rugged yet vulnerable construction typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes wooden freighters.
Description
Launched in 1888 as the Mark Hopkins, the vessel served in Great Lakes lumber transport, enduring typical mishaps and repairs. In 1902 she was renamed Myron and continued service as a lumber hooker. Like many vessels of her era, she faced the constant risks of weather and heavy loading on Lake Superior.
History
On her final voyage in November 1919, the Myron departed Munising, Michigan, for Buffalo, New York, towing the schooner barge Miztec. Laden with lumber, she was caught in a severe November gale. The vessel began leaking, forcing her pumps beyond capacity. Captain Walter Neal released the Miztec to seek safety while attempting to reach Whitefish Bay with the Myron.
Significant Incidents
Despite aid from the steamer Adriatic and the Vermilion lifesaving crew, the Myron succumbed to the storm and quickly foundered. All 17 crew members were lost. Frozen bodies wearing life jackets were later recovered near Whitefish Point, underscoring the tragic ferocity of the storm.
Final Disposition
The wreck’s precise site and depth remain undocumented, though artifacts have been recovered and are preserved at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The vessel was declared a total loss in 1919.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site itself remains elusive. Artifacts recovered and displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum ensure her story is preserved. The 3DShipwrecks.org project has also digitally modeled the Myron for study.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ss-myron-mark-hopkins” title=”References & Links”]
Protected as a cultural site. Diving opportunities are extremely limited and restricted due to depth uncertainty and preservation concerns.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Other Names: Mark Hopkins (1888–1902)
Official Number: Unknown
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Wooden steamer (lumber hooker)
Builder: Grand Haven, Michigan
Year Built: 1888
Dimensions: Not documented
Tonnage: Not specified
Cargo on Final Voyage: Lumber
Date of Loss: November 1919
Location: Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point
Coordinates: Not precisely documented
Depth: Unknown
Home Port: Likely Great Lakes ports (Buffalo/Munising)
Owners: Capt. Harris Baker (at launch); renamed Myron in 1902 under later ownership
Crew: 17
Casualties: 17 (all hands lost)
Description
SS Myron was a wooden steam-powered freighter designed as a “lumber hooker.” These vessels were built to carry heavy lumber cargoes and often towed additional schooner barges to expand their hauling capacity. She represented the rugged yet vulnerable construction typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes wooden freighters.
History
Launched in 1888 as the Mark Hopkins, the vessel served in Great Lakes lumber transport, enduring typical mishaps and repairs. In 1902 she was renamed Myron and continued service as a lumber hooker. Like many vessels of her era, she faced the constant risks of weather and heavy loading on Lake Superior.
On her final voyage in November 1919, the Myron departed Munising, Michigan, for Buffalo, New York, towing the schooner barge Miztec. Laden with lumber, she was caught in a severe November gale. The vessel began leaking, forcing her pumps beyond capacity. Captain Walter Neal released the Miztec to seek safety while attempting to reach Whitefish Bay with the Myron.
Final Voyage and Sinking
Despite aid from the steamer Adriatic and the Vermilion lifesaving crew, the Myron succumbed to the storm and quickly foundered. All 17 crew members were lost. Frozen bodies wearing life jackets were later recovered near Whitefish Point, underscoring the tragic ferocity of the storm.
Final Dispositions
The wreck’s precise site and depth remain undocumented, though artifacts have been recovered and are preserved at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The vessel was declared a total loss in 1919.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck site itself remains elusive. Artifacts recovered and displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum ensure her story is preserved. The 3DShipwrecks.org project has also digitally modeled the Myron for study.
Notmars & Advisories
Protected as a cultural site. Diving opportunities are extremely limited and restricted due to depth uncertainty and preservation concerns.
Dive Information
Access: Restricted
Entry Point: Whitefish Bay region
Conditions: Harsh storms, poor visibility, cold waters
Depth Range: Not documented
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sault Ste. Marie; Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Permits: Required for artifact research/recovery
Dive Support: None currently available (site undetermined)
Crew & Casualty Memorials
All 17 crew perished. Bodies were recovered near Whitefish Point. Memorials and recovered artifacts are held at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“Captain Neal and his crew fought bravely, but the Myron was no match for Lake Superior’s fury. When found, crewmen’s bodies were still clad in lifejackets, frozen reminders of the storm’s deadly power.” — Contemporary newspaper accounts, 1919
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Originally registered as Mark Hopkins in 1888. Later enrollment as Myron in 1902. Insurance records and ownership changes likely preserved in Great Lakes maritime archives.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Artifacts preserved at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. A digital 3D model of the Myron has been created by 3DShipwrecks.org.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
References
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point
- Contemporary newspaper coverage, November 1919
- 3DShipwrecks.org, SS Myron digital model
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: Mark Hopkins
Official Number: Unknown
Coordinates: Not precisely documented
Depth: Unknown
Location Description: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
Vessel Type: Wooden steamer (lumber hooker)
Material: Wood
Dimensions: Not documented
Condition: Lost; artifacts recovered
Cause of Loss: November gale, hull breach
Discovery Date: Artifacts recovered post-1919
Discovered By: Local recovery teams; museum preservation
Method: Artifact salvage
Legal Notes: Protected as part of Great Lakes maritime heritage
Hazards: Severe storms, cold water
Permits Required: Yes, for research and recovery