Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Chicora
- Type: Propeller, Passenger & Freight Steamer
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Detroit, MI
- Dimensions: 198.5 ft (60.5 m); Beam: 35 ft (10.7 m); Depth of hold: 13.6 ft (4.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,122.92 Gross; 708.15 Net
- Depth at Wreck Site: 76 m / 250 ft
- Location: Off South Haven, MI
- Official Number: 126902
- Original Owners: Graham & Morton Transportation Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
The SS Chicora was a wooden propeller passenger and freight steamer, designed for year-round operation on Lake Michigan.
Description
Description
The SS Chicora was considered one of the finest passenger steamers on Lake Michigan. Designed by renowned naval architect Frank E. Kirby, she was constructed at the Detroit Dry Dock Company at a cost of $150,000. Launched on June 25, 1892, she entered service shortly after, operating year-round routes between Chicago, Benton Harbor, and Milwaukee.
The Chicora was licensed to carry 1,500 passengers and had luxurious accommodations for the time. Her 56 staterooms, grand staircase, spacious social hall, and smoking rooms were all finished in fine mahogany. She also featured an electric plant that powered 250 lights—a cutting-edge feature for the era.
The ship was built especially stout to withstand harsh winter conditions. Her hull was planked with 6-inch thick oak, reinforced with three waterproof compartments. Powered by a 2,500 horsepower triple-expansion steam engine, the Chicora had an impressive speed of 15.5 knots (18 mph / 29 km/h).
Her robust construction and fast speed made her the premier vessel of the Graham & Morton Transportation Company. She was often referred to as the “Queen Mary of Lake Michigan.”
History
History & Service
The Chicora was originally built to run between St. Joseph and Chicago, later expanding to Milwaukee. She was known for record-breaking speeds, once making the 65-mile trip from Benton Harbor to Chicago in 3 hours and 40 minutes.
In the winter of 1893-94, she was reassigned to the St. Joseph–Milwaukee route, where she would operate during harsh winter months. She performed well, but frequently struggled against ice floes. On February 26, 1894, she was stuck in ice 5-12 miles off Benton Harbor and required assistance.
Despite these challenges, the Chicora remained a reliable winter vessel, and it was this reputation that led to her final voyage in January 1895.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- January 21, 1895: The Chicora foundered in a violent winter storm, resulting in the loss of 23-26 lives.
- February 26, 1894: The Chicora was stuck in ice off Benton Harbor and required assistance.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Chicora’s loss remained a mystery for decades. No bodies were ever recovered, and only pieces of the ship’s upper deck and gangway were found floating in ice. Two messages in bottles found in April 1895 suggested engine failure may have contributed to her sinking.
In May 2001, the Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates announced they had found a shipwreck matching the Chicora’s description in deep water off Saugatuck, MI. However, as of today, no official confirmation has been made, and the ship’s true fate remains a subject of mystery and intrigue.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Chicora lies at an estimated depth of over 250 feet (76 m) in Lake Michigan. Due to its depth and conditions, it is accessible primarily to experienced technical divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”chicora-us-126902″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Chicora is one of the most famous lost ships of Lake Michigan, highlighting the dangers of winter navigation and remaining one of the Great Lakes’ most tragic disappearances.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →