SHIPWRECK REPORT: SS MYRON

  • Type: Wooden Steamer (Lumber Hooker)
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Built: 1888, Grand Haven, Michigan
  • Original Name: Mark Hopkins
  • Renamed: Myron (1902)
  • Location of Loss: Near Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior
  • Incident Date: November 22, 1919
  • Name: SS Myron
  • Builder: Unknown
  • Material: Wooden Hull
  • Purpose: Lumber hooker, designed to transport lumber across the Great Lakes
  • Final Owner: Captain Harris Baker

HISTORY

Service Life:

The SS Myron, originally christened as Mark Hopkins, served as a reliable lumber hooker for over three decades, towing Schooner barges and transporting lumber across the Great Lakes. She underwent several rebuilds during her career, maintaining her reputation as a workhorse of the lakes.

Final Voyage:

  • Route: Departed Munising, Michigan, bound for Buffalo, New York.
  • Cargo: Lumber, accompanied by the Schooner Barge Miztec.
  • Incident:
    • Encountered a severe November gale on Lake Superior.
    • Sustained a fatal leak as her wooden Hull’s seams failed under the relentless pounding of waves.
    • Captain Walter Neal attempted to save the ship by dropping off Miztec and heading for refuge in Whitefish Bay.

Rescue Efforts:

  • Adriatic: A steel Steamer provided temporary shelter but could not save the Myron.
  • Vermilion Lifesaving Crew: Braved the storm but were unable to rescue the crew due to the treacherous conditions.

FINAL DISPOSITION

  • Cause of Loss: The Myron succumbed to overwhelming leaks and heavy seas, sinking within minutes.
  • Casualties: All 17 crew members perished.
  • Aftermath: Frozen bodies wearing life jackets were recovered near Whitefish Point, a chilling testament to the storm’s ferocity.

WRECK SITE

  • Condition: The wreck of the SS Myron lies shattered on the lakebed, its remnants a somber reminder of the tragedy.
  • Artifacts: Some artifacts have been salvaged and are preserved at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

SIGNIFICANCE

The sinking of the SS Myron is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during the treacherous November gales. The story highlights the bravery and resilience of those who worked these waters and serves as an enduring testament to the region’s maritime history.

NOTES FOR RESEARCHERS AND DIVERS

  • Legacy: The Myron is remembered alongside other Great Lakes shipwrecks as a symbol of the challenges and sacrifices inherent to maritime commerce.
  • Preservation: Artifacts from the wreck continue to be displayed and studied, preserving the vessel’s legacy for future generations.

REFERENCES & LINKS

This report captures the tragic tale of the SS Myron, commemorating the ship and its crew while highlighting the enduring legacy of Great Lakes maritime history.