Identification & Site Information

  • Name: SS Henry Steinbrenner
  • Type: Great Lakes Bulk Freighter
  • Built: 1901
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 524 feet (159.7 meters)
    • Beam: 54 feet (16.46 meters)
    • Depth: 28 feet (8.53 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: Approximately 7,200 tons
  • Owner: Kinsman Marine Transit Company
  • Cargo: Nearly 7,000 tons of iron ore
  • Date Lost: May 11, 1953
  • Location: Lake Superior, approximately 15 miles south of Isle Royale Light
  • Cause of Loss: Severe storm resulting in flooding through unsecured hatches

Vessel Type Description

The SS Henry Steinbrenner was a steel-hulled Great Lakes freighter, built in 1901 for bulk cargo transportation. Designed for carrying large quantities of iron ore, coal, and grain, the vessel was robustly constructed for long-term service on the often-treacherous Great Lakes. It operated for 52 years before its tragic sinking in 1953.

History

The SS Henry Steinbrenner had a long and storied history, serving as a critical part of Great Lakes shipping operations. Owned by the Kinsman Marine Transit Company, the freighter experienced its share of incidents:

  • 1909 Collision: Declared a total constructive loss after a collision on the St. Marys River but salvaged and repaired.
  • Whitefish Bay Incident: Another collision occurred here, requiring repairs but leaving the ship operational.

On May 10, 1953, the Henry Steinbrenner departed Superior, Wisconsin, bound for Lake Erie steel mills with a load of iron ore. Forecasts predicted rough weather, but Captain Albert Stiglin chose to proceed, as was common at the time.

As the ship encountered a fierce storm, water began entering through unsecured hatch covers. Crew efforts to secure the hatches were thwarted by the violent conditions. By the morning of May 11, the vessel was overwhelmed, and an SOS was sent. Chaos ensued as the crew Abandoned ship, and the freighter sank rapidly, claiming the lives of 17 crew members.

Final Disposition

The SS Henry Steinbrenner sank approximately 15 miles south of Isle Royale Light in Lake Superior. The wreck has not been extensively explored, and its precise condition remains unknown.

Legacy and Safety Impact

The sinking of the Henry Steinbrenner was a wake-up call for Great Lakes shipping practices.

  • Hatch Covers: Operators began retrofitting older vessels with watertight single-piece hatch covers, improving safety during storms.
  • Weather Forecasting: Emphasis was placed on improving weather prediction and communication for mariners.

The disaster underscored the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation, particularly during the unpredictable storm seasons, and highlighted the bravery of those who worked these waters.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The loss of the SS Henry Steinbrenner serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the importance of safety innovations. Its story is a tragic yet vital chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, illustrating the unpredictable power of the lakes and the enduring resilience of those who sailed them.