William B. Davock: The Tragic Fate of a Great Lakes Freighter
The William B. Davock was a conventional dry bulk lake freighter—a specialized vessel designed to carry unpackaged cargo—that served the industrial arteries of the Great Lakes for over three decades. From transporting raw materials to the steel mills of the Midwest, the Davock was a workhorse of early 20th-century maritime commerce until a catastrophic storm claimed the ship and its entire crew.
Construction and Early Service
Built in 1907 by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in St. Clair, Michigan, the William B. Davock was commissioned for the Vulcan Steamship Co. under the management of R.H. Pigott. For the first eight years of its life, the vessel operated across the Great Lakes, transporting essential commodities including coal, iron ore, grain, and stone.
In 1915, management of the ship transitioned to the Interlake Steamship Co., managed by Pickands Mather & Co. During the winter of 1922–1923, while docked in Fairport, Ohio, the vessel underwent significant reconstruction and updates. This overhaul modified its tonnage to 4,220 gross and 2,671 net. Following these improvements, the Davock continued its traditional trade routes, hauling coal from Lake Erie to the upper lakes and transporting iron ore from Lake Superior to the steel mills located on Lake Erie and Lake Michigan.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Storm of November 11, 1940
The career of the William B. Davock came to a violent end on Monday, November 11, 1940. A ferocious storm, later regarded as the worst to hit Lake Michigan up to that point, swept across the region. The weather was characterized by 75 mph winds and rain that transitioned into snow, catching several vessels off guard.
The Davock was transporting coal to Chicago when it was overwhelmed by the intense wind and waves. The ship foundered approximately five miles off Little Sable Point, between Ludington and Pentwater, Michigan. The vessel sank to a depth of about 200 feet, taking all 32 (some sources suggest 33) crew members with it.
This disaster was part of a larger maritime tragedy; the same storm claimed the vessel Anna C. Minch and its entire crew. With an estimated 59 sailors lost in total, it remains one of the worst maritime disasters on the Great Lakes since the Great Storm of 1913.
Key Facts
- Built: 1907 by Great Lakes Engineering Works, St. Clair, Michigan.
- Dimensions: 420 feet long with a 52-foot beam.
- Propulsion: Single screw, steam reciprocating triple expansion engine.
- Capacity: Approximately 7,000 tons.
- Fate: Sank November 11, 1940, off Little Sable Point, Lake Michigan.
- Casualties: All 32 to 33 crew members perished.
Technical Specifications
The following table summarizes the general characteristics of the William B. Davock during its service life.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Conventional dry bulk lake freighter |
| Tonnage | 4,468 (Original) / 4,220 Gross (Post-1923) |
| Length | 420 ft (130 m) |
| Beam | 52 ft (16 m) |
| Height | 23 ft (7.0 m) |
| Speed | 12 knots |
| Port of Registry | Fairport |
Uncovering the Cause of the Wreck
For decades, the exact cause of the sinking remained a mystery. However, in 2014, the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association—a non-profit based in Holland, Michigan—conducted a survey of the wreck. Video evidence captured by diver Jeff Vos revealed a critical mechanical failure: a broken rudder.
The investigation concluded that the rudder had jammed against the propeller, breaking off one or more blades. This left the William B. Davock without steering or propulsion. Unable to maneuver, the ship fell into the trough of the waves, where it was swamped and likely capsized before sinking to the lake floor.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the SS William B. Davock to sink?
A 2014 survey revealed that the rudder broke and jammed against the propeller, breaking the propeller blades. This left the ship without steering or power, causing it to be swamped by waves and sink.
How many people died in the sinking of the Davock?
All hands were lost; most sources state 32 crew members perished, though some records cite 33.
Where is the wreck of the William B. Davock located?
The wreck lies approximately 200 feet below the surface, five miles off Little Sable Point between Ludington and Pentwater, Michigan.
Who operated the vessel during its career?
The ship was operated by the Vulcan Steamship Co. from 1907 to 1915, and subsequently by the Interlake Steamship Co. (managed by Pickands Mather & Co.).
What was the significance of the storm on November 11, 1940?
It was one of the most severe storms in Lake Michigan's history, featuring 75 mph winds. It resulted in the loss of two ships and approximately 59 sailors, making it the worst Great Lakes maritime disaster since 1913.