DATE OF LAUNCH: 1887
DATE AND LOCATION OF LOSS: November 9, 1913, Lake Michigan, off Washington Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin
DATE LOCATED: November 9, 1913
SHIP DETAILS: The Louisiana was constructed in Marine City, Michigan in 1887, while her engine was built at the Dry Dock Complex in Detroit, Michigan.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE LOSS: On November 2, 1913, the Louisiana departed from Lorain, Ohio to deliver a load of coal to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After completing her stop in Milwaukee, the Louisiana made way for Escanaba, Michigan to pick up a load of iron ore. In the early morning hours of November 8, the ship passed through Porte des Morts. Upon reaching the strait, she was greeted by a severe snowstorm. The captain attempted to take refuge at Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin, but the heavy seas and howling wind proved too strong for the ship’s anchors to hold her in place, and she was run aground.
Despite the situation on board the Louisiana, the crew opted to remain aboard the vessel rather than taking the one small lifeboat they had out to the raging seas. However, a fire broke out in the cargo hold later in the morning and the crew members were left with no choice. A rescue ship had been deployed from Plum Island, but the breaking waves were too powerful for the ship to be able to reach the crew. In the end, the crew was able to make it to shore.
DISCOVERY AND FINDINGS: Not applicable
INTERESTING FACTS: The ship’s boiler, engine, propeller, propeller shaft and rudder were later salvaged. In 1992 the shipwreck site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the site is a popular area for divers and archaeologists. It lies in 10 to 25 feet of water on the southeast side of Washington Harbor.
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