Steamer-Barge Matoa (built 1890 – grounded November 11, 1913)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Name: Matoa (later renamed Glenrig in 1923, Huguenot in 1926)
- Built: 1890, steel-hulled lake freighter
- Tonnage: 2,311 tons gross
- Cargo: Coal
Final Voyage & Loss – November 11, 1913
- During the infamous “Big Storm” (White Hurricane) of November 1913, Matoa was sheltering near Port Austin Reef at the mouth of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The massive gale—with hurricane-force winds and towering waves—drove her aground on the reef.
- She was declared a Total Loss, though her entire crew survived the ordeal(Ships Database, Wikipedia).
Aftermath & Vessel Fate
- Despite her grounding, the Hull was later recovered and Rebuilt, returning to service under new names (Glenrig, then Huguenot)—a testament to her sturdy steel construction(Ships Database).
- A commemorative plaque, salvaged by survivor Alex Umlauf, eventually found a home at the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse, symbolizing the wreck’s local significance(Huron Daily Tribune).
Historical & Contextual Significance
- The Matoa was one of several vessels overwhelmed by the catastrophic 1913 storm, but unlike tragic casualties, she remained intact enough to enable successful recovery—this highlights both the destructive power of the storm and the durability of early steel freighters.
- Her survival and reconstruction contrast with the fate of ships like Charles S. Price and Isaac M. Scott, making her story stand out among Lake Huron storm losses(Ships Database, Wandering Educators).
Research & Exploration Opportunities
| Focus Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Ship Registry & Conversion | Acquire 1890 build records and Hull recovery documentation post-1913 grounding. |
| Plaque & Survivor Link | Investigate Alex Umlauf’s plaque and related oral history for crew accounts and vessel location details. |
| Remote-Sensing Survey | Map the Port Austin Reef area using side-scan sonar to locate potential Hull fragments or debris field. |
| Comparative Storm Analysis | Study other grounded steel hulls from the storm to understand recovery feasibility, structural integrity under duress. |
Summary Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Matoa |
| Built | 1890, steel freighter |
| Lost | Nov 11, 1913 – grounded in Lake Huron storm |
| Casualties | None; crew survived |
| Disposition | Declared Total Loss; later recovered & Rebuilt |
| Legacy | Survivor’s plaque at Pointe aux Barques; a resilient example of early steel-era vessels |