Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Blue Comet
  • Former Names: None
  • Official Registry Number: Not located in available records
  • Date Built & Launched: 1923
  • Builder: Not specified
  • Construction: Steel-hulled gasoline tanker
  • Dimensions: Not specified in current records
  • Tonnage: Not specified
  • Date Lost: October 29, 1953
  • Place of Loss: Calumet Harbor, Lake Michigan, near Chicago, Illinois

Vessel Type

Steel-hulled gasoline tanker

Description

The Blue Comet was a steel-hulled tanker constructed in 1923, designed for the transport of gasoline and other refined fuels across the Great Lakes. Her dimensions and tonnage were not recorded in the sources currently available.

History

On October 29, 1953, while anchored in Calumet Harbor and preparing to depart for St. Joseph, Michigan, the Blue Comet experienced a catastrophic explosion in the forward hold. The ship was carrying 500,000 gallons (1.89 million litres) of gasoline. The explosion resulted in one fatality and two injuries, and ignited a massive fire that was visible from miles away.

This became one of the most significant tanker fires in the history of the Great Lakes. Fireboats and U.S. Coast Guard vessels responded, extinguishing the flames after around 80,000 gallons (302,800 litres) of gasoline had burned.

Final Disposition

Despite the severe damage, the vessel was eventually salvaged, repaired, and returned to service.

Located By & Date Found

Not applicable. The vessel did not remain wrecked and was recovered after the incident.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no known long-term navigation advisories or markers resulting from this incident.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Blue Comet exemplifies the extreme hazards associated with fuel transport on the inland seas. Her 1953 explosion in Calumet Harbor stands as a stark reminder of these risks. The incident was a major event in Great Lakes maritime history and reflects both the dangers and resilience within this sector. Despite devastation, the ship’s recovery was a notable engineering and firefighting achievement.