Nor’lond (Built 1890 – Lost November 13, 1922)

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Nor’lond (originally built as Eugene C. Hart, renamed in March 1919)
  • Official number: 136131 (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Registry: U.S.
  • Year built: 1890, by Burger & Burger, Manitowoc, WI (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Year lengthened: 1893 (added approx. 26 ft / 8 m)
  • Vessel type: Wooden-hulled propeller steam package freighter (freight & passenger) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Cargo/passengers at loss: Freight and a few passengers
  • Date lost: November 13, 1922
  • Location of loss: ~2 mi (~3.2 km) off South Point, Milwaukee, Lake Michigan (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Depth: Sunk in about 58 ft (18 m) of water (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

Vessel Type & Description

Nor’lond was a wooden package freighter with a single propeller and steam engine. Built robustly for mid-sized cargo and limited passenger service, her Hull measured approximately 152 × 25 × 18 ft (46 × 7.6 × 5.5 m) after lengthening, with a Gross Tonnage around 522 grt .

History

  • Built in 1890 as Eugene C. Hart; was later lengthened in 1893.
  • Operated primarily on Great Lakes package freight routes.
  • Renamed Nor’lond in March 1919 after being acquired by Nor’lond Lines.
  • Returned to Great Lakes freight service in Spring 1922 under owner Frank Finsthwait (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Final Dispositions

While trying to return to shore during a late-autumn storm on November 13, 1922, Nor’lond sprang a serious leak. The crew attempted to pump water and race for refuge in Milwaukee, but the leak worsened. Crew and any passengers Abandoned ship in lifeboats; the vessel sank Stern-first just minutes later. There were no fatalities (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Located By & Date Found

NOTMARs & Advisories

None recorded historically or currently. No official marine hazards active at the site.

Shore Dive Information

  • Access: Boat-only dive site off Milwaukee
  • Depth: ~18 m (58 ft)
  • Site Condition: Wreck lies broken and scattered across lake bottom
  • Visibility/Conditions: Typical Lake Michigan conditions; variable Visibility and occasional currents
  • Skill Level: Intermediate – suitable for recreational divers with basic wreck-diving experience
  • Regulations: Likely protected under Wisconsin’s shipwreck protection laws; removal of artifacts prohibited
  • Best Dive Season: Late spring to early autumn (May–October)

Resources & Links

Conclusion

Nor’lond (ex-Eugene C. Hart) was a wooden steam package freighter launched in 1890, repurposed and renamed in 1919. She met her end on November 13, 1922, after leaking badly in stormy weather near Milwaukee. Despite sinking within minutes, the crew and passengers survived. Her remains lie in shallow water (~18 m), broken across the bottom, making it an accessible and historical wreck dive for recreational divers in Lake Michigan.

Keywords: wooden package freighter • propeller Steamship • 1922 storm sinking • Milwaukee wreck dive • Great Lakes maritime heritage