Steamer New York shipwreck found in Lake Huron
From staff reports
The wreck of the 283-foot Steamer New York, built in 1879, has been discovered in Lake Huron. David Trotter and the Undersea Research Associates (URA) team made the discovery after an extensive search effort that spanned several years.
The New York departed from Detroit, moving upbound in Lake Huron when she was caught in a violent gale in October 1910. She lost power and fell into the trough (sideways in the seas) where the waves pummeled the ship mercilessly.
The downbound Steamer Mataafa, with the Whaleback Alexander Holley in tow, spotted the New York and realized she was in serious danger. Captain Regan, of the Mataafa, began a turn into the raging seas when its load of iron ore shifted, causing the Mataafa to nearly capsize. She was now 2 feet lower on one side of the vessel. Despite the risks, the Captain brought the Mataafa around and headed toward the Steamer New York.
Although recently rebuilt, the New York disappeared (foundered) in the violent storm, and two small lifeboats could barely be seen. The heroics of Captain Regan and Steamer Mataafa, in saving the New York crew of 14, confirmed that men of iron and “true grit” sailed the steel and wooden ships of the 1900s.
The New York’s loss became an unsolved mystery for 100 years. Finally, after an extensive search effort, the dive team descended to explore and confirm the identity of the long missing New York. Extensive underwater video has been taken and the documentary is in production; the program will be available in January, 2013. A short video of the discovery can be seen at: www.shipwreck1.com.
Trotter and the URA team have been involved in the discovery and exploration of the Great Lakes shipwrecks for 35 years, having discovered over 90 shipwrecks.
