IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Chicago
  • Type: Steel Freighter (Steam Screw)
  • U.S. Official Number: 127590
  • Tonnage:
    • Gross: 3,195 tons
    • Net: 2,546 tons
    • Length: 324.2 feet (98.8 meters)
    • Beam: 44.0 feet (13.4 meters)
    • Depth: 14.0 feet (4.3 meters)
  • Location: Michipicoten Island, Shafer Bay, Lake Superior
  • Year of Loss: October 23, 1929
  • Coordinates: 4743.922’N, 8557.719’W
  • Depth: 50 feet (15.2 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Chicago was a steel freighter built in 1901 by the American Ship Building Company in Buffalo, New York. As a Steam Screw Vessel, it was designed for the freight service across the Great Lakes, carrying bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and ore. The ship measured 324.2 feet (98.8 meters) in length, with a beam of 44.0 feet (13.4 meters) and a depth of 14.0 feet (4.3 meters). With a Gross Tonnage of 3,195 tons and a Net Tonnage of 2,546 tons, the Chicago was a significant vessel in the Great Lakes fleet. The ship was operated by the Great Lakes Transit Corporation and had a crew of 31.

HISTORY

The Chicago was engaged in regular freight service on the Great Lakes, transporting essential goods between various ports. On October 23, 1929, the vessel was on a voyage from Duluth, Minnesota, to Houghton, Michigan, when it encountered a severe gale with 50-mile-per-hour (80.5 km/h) winds. The dangerous conditions forced Captain C. Farrell to turn back from the Keweenaw Point ship canal, but the storm pushed the Chicago off course. The vessel collided with the rocky north coast of Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior, where it ran aground.
The force of the collision caused the ship’s bow to lift high on the rocks, and it eventually began to slide into deeper water. The crew initially remained on board, but as the situation worsened, they evacuated to Michipicoten Island, using the ship’s lifeboat to transport supplies. After enduring four days of the storm, the crew was rescued by the Coast Guard.

 FINAL DISPOSITION

Efforts to salvage the Chicago were undertaken, but they were ultimately unsuccessful. On December 19, 1929, while salvage operations were still in progress, the vessel slid off the rocks into deep water and sank. The wreck now lies at a depth of approximately 50 feet (15.2 meters) in Shafer Bay, off the coast of Michipicoten Island in Lake Superior.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Chicago. However, the site is known to be in a remote area, and mariners should exercise caution when navigating near Michipicoten Island.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Chicago is located at the coordinates 4743.922’N, 8557.719’W, at a depth of 50 feet (15.2 meters). The site is relatively shallow, making it accessible for divers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Chicago lies in approximately 50 feet (15.2 meters) of water, making it an accessible dive site for those interested in exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks. Due to its steel construction, parts of the vessel remain intact, though the passage of time and the initial collision have likely caused significant deterioration. The wreck is located in a remote part of Lake Superior, so divers should be prepared for cold water conditions and limited accessibility.

RESOURCES & LINKS

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The Chicago’s loss is a testament to the treacherous conditions that ships and their crews faced on the Great Lakes, particularly during the late fall when storms were most frequent. The decision by Captain Farrell to turn back was made with safety in mind, yet the power of the storm ultimately proved too great. The subsequent efforts to salvage the vessel demonstrate the value placed on these large freighters, though in this case, the elements prevailed.

 DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

The wreck of the Chicago lies in relatively shallow water, making it an accessible site for divers with the proper training. Divers should be aware that conditions in Lake Superior can be challenging, with cold water and potential for sudden weather changes. The site offers an opportunity to explore a large steel freighter that met its end due to the unpredictable forces of nature. As always, divers should respect the site and ensure they follow local regulations and guidelines for wreck diving.


TAGS Lake Superior 20th Century Steel Freighter Michipicoten Island Maritime History

CONCLUSION

The steam screw Chicago, built in 1901 and lost in 1929, represents the robust yet vulnerable nature of Great Lakes freighters during the early 20th century. The vessels grounding on Michipicoten Island and subsequent sinking highlight the dangers posed by severe weather on these inland seas. The wreck remains a point of historical interest and offers divers a glimpse into the maritime past of the Great Lakes.