Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description

The SS Hydrus was a steel-hulled Steamship built to transport iron ore across the Great Lakes. As one of the largest and most advanced ore carriers of its time, it played a critical role in the industrial supply chain, moving raw materials from the Lake Superior mining regions to steel mills in cities like Cleveland and Detroit. Powered by a steam engine and designed for efficiency, the Hydrus epitomized the industrial revolution’s reliance on maritime commerce.

History

Launched in 1903, the SS Hydrus was part of the Pittsburgh Steamship Company’s fleet, which dominated the Great Lakes shipping industry. The vessel operated year-round, often navigating hazardous conditions to meet the unrelenting demand for iron ore. The Hydrusexemplified the technological advancements in shipping at the turn of the 20th century but also the dangers inherent in such work.

On November 9, 1913, the Hydrus encountered the Great Storm of 1913, also called the White Hurricane. The storm’s hurricane-force winds, heavy snow, and immense waves created an unprecedented maritime disaster. While attempting to navigate Lake Huron, the Hydrus was overwhelmed by the storm and sank with all hands aboard, joining a tragic list of vessels lost during this historic storm.

Final Disposition

The Hydrus sank to the bottom of Lake Huron, where it lies relatively intact, providing a rare and haunting look into early 20th-century ship construction and navigation. The wreck is upright on the lakebed and has been documented by divers and historians as a key site in Great Lakes maritime history. Its discovery added critical insights into the losses suffered during the Great Storm of 1913 and spurred further exploration of the storm’s impact.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are currently no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Hydrus wreck. However, the site is a point of historical interest, and divers exploring the area should approach with respect for the wreck’s legacy and be cautious of varying depths and potential underwater hazards.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the SS Hydrus was located through the combined efforts of maritime historians, researchers, and divers. It remains a significant site for both historical research and underwater exploration, symbolizing the challenges faced by early Great Lakes freighters.

Resources & Links

  • Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Maritime Tales: Chronicles stories and data on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Offers detailed records on the Hydrus and other Great Lakes wrecks.
  • National Museum of the Great Lakes: Preserves the history of vessels like the Hydrus and the maritime challenges of the era.
  • NOAA Great Lakes Storm of 1913: Resources on the storm’s history and its impact on Great Lakes shipping.
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical documentation of the Hydrus and similar vessels.

Conclusion

The loss of the SS Hydrus during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 serves as a poignant reminder of the immense risks faced by mariners in the early 20th century. The storm’s ferocity overwhelmed even the most advanced ships of the time, claiming the lives of hundreds and reshaping maritime safety and weather forecasting on the Great Lakes. Today, the wreck of the Hydrus stands as a testament to the resilience of those who worked on the Great Lakes and as a symbol of a transformative era in industrial shipping.

Keywords

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