SS Daniel J. Morrell
Early photograph of Daniel J. Morrell
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| History | |
|---|---|
| United States | |
| Name: | Daniel J. Morrell |
| Operator: |
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| Port of registry: |
 United States
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| Builder: | West Bay City Ship Building Company |
| Yard number: | 00619 |
| Completed: | 1906 |
| Identification: | U.S. Registry #203507 |
| Fate: | November 29, 1966, broke into two parts and sunk during a storm, 28 out of 29 crewmembers died |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Bulk Freighter |
| Tonnage: |
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| Length: | 580 ft (180 m) |
| Beam: | 58 ft (18 m) |
| Height: | 27 ft (8.2 m) |
| Propulsion: | triple expansion steam engine |
| Crew: | 29 |
The SS Daniel J. Morrell was a 603-foot (184 m) Great Lakes freighter that broke up in a strong storm on Lake Huron on 29 November 1966, taking with it 28 of its 29 crewmen. The freighter was used to carry bulk cargos such as iron ore but was running with only ballast when the 60-year-old ship sank.
The ship was named for Daniel Johnson Morrell, a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.
Making the last run of the season with her sister ship the SS Edward Y. Townsend, the Morrell became caught in winds exceeding 70 mph (110 km/h) and swells that topped the height of the ship (20–to-25-foot (6.1-to-7.6-meter) waves). During the early morning hours, the Townsend made the decision to take shelter in the St. Clair River, leaving the Morrell alone on the waters north of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, heading for the protection of Thunder Bay. At 2 am, the ship began its death throes, forcing the crew onto the deck, where many jumped to their deaths in the 34 degree Lake Huron waters. At 2:15 am, the ship broke in two, and the remaining crewmen loaded into a raft on the forward section of the vessel. While they waited for the bow section to sink and the raft to be thrown into the lake, there were shouts that a ship had been spotted off the port bow. Moments later, it was discovered that the looming object was not another ship, but in fact the Morrell's aft section, barreling towards them under the power of the ship's engines. The two sections collided, with the aft section continuing into the distance. In the words of writer William Ratigan, the remnants of the vessel disappeared into the darkness "like a great wounded beast with its head shot off".
The Morrell was not reported missing until 12:15 pm the following afternoon, 30 November, after the vessel was overdue at its destination, Taconite Harbor, Minnesota. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a "be on the lookout" alert and dispatched several vessels and aircraft to search for the missing freighter.
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Wikipedia