Identification & Site Information

Final Incident & Sinking

  • While navigating Lake Huron during thick fog, Fostoria struck an ice floe head-on, shoving her bows inward and leading to rapid water ingress.
  • She sank quickly in cold spring water, with all six hands onboard rescued by the towing Tug Huron. No casualties were recorded (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).

Archival & Research Gaps

  • Construction Details: Yard, exact dimensions, and original ownership – check Great Lakes enrollment records (1865).
  • Crew Information: Names, roles, certification – obtainable from U.S. Customs or Coast Guard district archives (Detroit).
  • Weather Conditions: May 1901 meteorological logs could clarify storm or fog context.
  • Contemporary Coverage: Port Huron area newspapers (e.g., Port Huron Times, Detroit Free Press) from May 1901 likely described the collision and rescue.
  • Tow Vessel Records: Investigate Huron‘s Deck logs or captain’s account for additional operational context.

Wreck Potential & Exploration

  • Wreck Site: Likely offshore near Port Huron in depths typical of the shipping channel (20–50 ft).
  • Remains: Ice damage to bow; Hull likely to be found in fragmented condition—potential scatter field rather than intact Hull.
  • Survey Recommendation: A side-scan sonar and magnetometer survey could identify wreckage; follow-up dive could confirm condition and assess artifact preservation.

Significance & Conclusion

The Fostoria’s loss illustrates the perils of late-season navigation on the Great Lakes where residual ice floes pose collision risks. This incident—marked by immediate sinking and successful crew rescue—adds to the historical narrative of steam-assist-Barge commerce and early 20th-century shipping hazard mitigation.

Recommended Next Steps

  • Archive Outreach:
    • National Archives (Detroit District) for enrollment and crew lists
    • Port Huron area newspapers from May 1901
  • Weather Record Review:
    • NOAA or Environment Canada historical data for fog and ice conditions
  • Field Survey Coordination:
    • Engage local maritime archaeologists (e.g., Michigan Underwater Preserve) for sonar scanning and site validation