Identification & Site Information:

  • Name: Argus (formerly known as Lewis Woodruff)
  • Type: Steam Screw Bulk Freighter
  • Built: 1903, American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, Ohio
  • Official Number: 200211
  • Hull Material: Steel
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 416 feet (127 meters)
    • Beam: 50 feet (15 meters)
    • Depth: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
  • Tonnage:
  • Final Location: Off Kincardine, Ontario, Lake Huron
  • Discovery Date: Wreck site discovered in 1972

Vessel Type Description:

The Argus, originally named Lewis Woodruff, was a robust steam screw bulk freighter specifically designed for the Great Lakes. Its steel Hull and Screw Propulsion were ideal for carrying heavy freight, such as coal, iron ore, and other bulk materials. The vessel was a critical part of the Great Lakes shipping industry, providing reliable cargo transport between key industrial ports.

History:

Early Service:

Launch & Early Years: The Lewis Woodruff was launched in 1903 and served as a workhorse for transporting bulk cargo.

Ownership Change: Renamed Argus in 1913 under the ownership of the Interlake Steamship Co., managed by Pickands, Mather & Co., one of the largest shipping enterprises on the Great Lakes at the time.

The Great Storm of 1913:

Event Overview:

  • The Argus was one of many vessels caught in the infamous “Great Storm of 1913,” a three-day hurricane-strength weather event that battered the Great Lakes.
  • The storm produced winds of over 90 mph (145 km/h) and waves exceeding 35 feet (10 meters), leading to the loss of over 250 lives and 12 vessels, including the Argus.

Final Voyage:

  • The Argus was upbound on Lake Huron with a cargo of coal when it encountered the storm.
  • Despite the efforts of Captain Paul Gutch and his crew, the vessel succumbed to the extreme conditions and sank off the coast of Kincardine, Ontario.
  • Tragically, all 24 crew members, including one woman, perished in the disaster.

Financial Loss: The vessel and its cargo were valued at $185,000, a significant sum at the time.

Final Disposition:

The Argus Foundered on November 9, 1913, becoming one of the many casualties of the Great Storm. The wreck was located in 1972, resting off Kincardine, Ontario, in Lake Huron.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

  • Condition: The wreck is in a deteriorated but recognizable state. Cold, freshwater conditions in Lake Huron have likely preserved some of the steel components of the vessel.
  • Accessibility: The site is suitable for experienced divers equipped for deep-water exploration. Proper permits and safety precautions are recommended for exploration.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

No specific active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. Caution is advised for diving operations due to the potential hazards of deep water and wreck integrity.

Resources & Links:

Conclusion:

The Argus stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners. Its tragic loss during the Great Storm of 1913 highlights the ferocity of the inland seas and the sacrifices of those who navigated them. The discovery of the wreck in 1972 has preserved its legacy, allowing modern historians and divers to connect with this poignant chapter in maritime history.

Keywords:

#Argus #LewisWoodruff #GreatStormOf1913 #LakeHuronShipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #SteamScrewFreighter #PickandsMather #ShipwreckExploration