Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: T.T. Morford
- Type: Steel-hulled unrigged barge
- Year Built: 1910
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 3,500–4,000 GRT (estimated)
- Location: Lake Superior — off Keweenaw Peninsula
- Official Number: [not available]
- Original Owners: U.S. Great Lakes towing/flotilla services
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled unrigged barge—used for hauling bulk cargo such as iron ore.
Description
The T.T. Morford was a wooden steel-hulled unrigged freight barge built in 1910. It was primarily utilized for transporting bulk cargo, including iron ore.
History
The T.T. Morford was owned and operated by U.S. Great Lakes towing and flotilla services. It was involved in various cargo operations until its final incident in 1948.
Significant Incidents
- Collision Incident: On June 23, 1948, the T.T. Morford collided with the steel propeller steamer Crete in dense fog while navigating off the Keweenaw Peninsula. The collision caused severe hull damage to both vessels, resulting in the Morford being declared a total loss.
- Casualties: Two crew members aboard the Morford were crushed to death during the collision.
Final Disposition
The T.T. Morford was declared a total constructive loss due to catastrophic structural damage from the collision. It was later dismantled or scuttled. The Crete, although heavily damaged, was repaired and returned to service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact current condition of the wreck site remains uncertain, as further investigation is needed to confirm its location and status.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”t-t-morford-1910″ title=”References & Links”]
The steel-hulled barge T.T. Morford collided bow-to-bow with the propeller steamer Crete in dense fog on June 23, 1948, off Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The Morford was severely damaged, declared a total loss, and soon decommissioned. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives. The Crete underwent repairs and returned to service. Further archival research—through Coast Guard reports, newspaper archives, and insurance and registry records—can provide greater clarity on this mid-century maritime disaster.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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