Thomas R Scott – Lake Huron Steamer Shipwreck (1914)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Thomas R Scott
• Type: Propeller Vessel
• Year Built: 1887
• Builder: Duncan Robertson, Grand Haven, Michigan
• Dimensions: 129 ft (39.3 m); Beam: 28 ft; Depth of hold: 7.6 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 268
• Depth at Wreck Site: 109.73 m / 360 ft
• Location: 3.5 miles off Cabot Head, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• Coordinates: 45° 17.921'N, 81° 17.894'W
• Official Number: 145452 (U.S.), C116847 (Canadian)
• Original Owners: John Lang and W.J. Thompson, among others
• Number of Masts: Single stack, one deck

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Thomas R. Scott was a propeller-driven vessel, a common type of steam-powered ship during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built with a single stack and one deck, it was designed primarily for transporting heavy cargoes such as lumber across the Great Lakes. Propeller vessels like the Thomas R. Scott were essential for the booming trade of raw materials in the region, known for their robust design and significant carrying capacity.

Description

The Thomas R. Scott was launched in 1887, with its construction overseen by Duncan Robertson in Grand Haven, Michigan. It was initially owned by John Lang and W.J. Thompson, businessmen from Chicago and Riverdale, Illinois, respectively. The vessel was equipped with a high-pressure engine built by Grand Haven Iron Works, delivering 350 horsepower at 112 RPM, and a firebox boiler manufactured by Johnston Brothers of Ferrysburg in 1884.

Throughout its operational history, the Thomas R. Scott played a vital role in the lumber trade across the Great Lakes. The vessel’s capacity to carry large quantities of cargo made it a valuable asset to its various owners. After its initial enrollment in Grand Haven, Michigan, in June 1887, it changed hands multiple times, passing through the ownership of individuals and companies based in Chicago, Cleveland, and Marysville, among others.

The vessel was known to have towed several barges during its service, including the LEADER and the RICHARDS & HERSCHEL. It was rebuilt in Marine City, Michigan, in 1898, enhancing its operational capabilities.

History

On September 2, 1914, while en route from Cockburn Island to Owen Sound with a cargo of lumber, the Thomas R. Scott foundered in the deep waters of Georgian Bay, near Cabot Head. The circumstances surrounding the sinking are not well-documented, but the vessel ultimately came to rest at a depth of over 360 feet. The wreck was discovered much later, in 1994, offering a glimpse into the final moments of this hardworking freighter.

Significant Incidents

• September 2, 1914: Foundered while en route from Cockburn Island to Owen Sound.

Final Disposition

On September 2, 1914, while en route from Cockburn Island to Owen Sound with a cargo of lumber, the Thomas R. Scott foundered in the deep waters of Georgian Bay, near Cabot Head. The circumstances surrounding the sinking are not well-documented, but the vessel ultimately came to rest at a depth of over 360 feet. The wreck was discovered much later, in 1994, offering a glimpse into the final moments of this hardworking freighter.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the depth of over 360 feet, the wreck of the Thomas R. Scott is largely inaccessible to recreational divers and requires specialized deep-diving equipment. The vessel is believed to be relatively intact, offering a unique opportunity for deep-water exploration and research.

Resources & Links

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The Thomas R. Scott’s story is a testament to the robust but perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping in the early 20th century. Despite its sturdy construction and significant capacity, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the treacherous waters of Georgian Bay. The discovery of the wreck in 1994 has provided valuable insights into the final moments of the Thomas R. Scott, preserving its legacy as a key player in the Great Lakes maritime industry. As with many shipwrecks of its era, the Thomas R. Scott remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated these inland seas.