On this day July 9, 1911, the steel steamer JOHN MITCHELL was sunk in Lake Superior off Vermilion Point, Michigan, by the steamer WILLIAM HENRY MACK. There was twenty- eight on board at the time and three of those were lost.
The MITCHELL was launched on November 29, 1906, at St. Clair, Michigan. Built by the Great Lakes Engineering Works for the Cornell Steamship Company of Chicago, she measured 420 feet in length, 52 feet in beam and 23 feet in depth. She was named for Captain John Mitchell of Cleveland who was a Canadian American vessel owner and operator. Miss Isabella Mitchell had the christening honors.
The MITCHELL left Buffalo with a load of coal bound for Superior, Wis. on July 7th. On the night of the 9th, Lake Superior was covered with a thick fog that greatly reduced visibility. When off Vermilion Point, she was rammed at the port bow by the WILLIAM HENRY MACK. The immediate rush of water made the MITCHELL list to the port side. A ladder was placed between the MITCHELL and the MACK’s deck which was used by the passengers and the crew to leave the sinking ship. Six escaped in the lifeboat which soon capsized. All were rescued but three crewmen who jumped in to help with the rescue were sucked under and drowned when the MITCHELL sank. It was said she sank in seven minutes.
An investigation was held which found Captain George H. Burnham of the WILLIAM HENRY MACK largely responsible or the collision. Stories conflicted. Both claimed to have sounded their fog whistle and correct passing signals. The MITCHELL reduced her speed. It was thought the MACK did not. Captain Burnham’s license was suspended for 12 months. Captain John H. Massey of the MITCELL had his license suspended for 30 days.
The wreck was discovered in 1972 by John Steel. She sits in 140 to 150 feet of water about 3 miles west-northwest off Whitefish Point.
Suzette Lopez
Photo Credit: Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee Public Library and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.
