The SS Hydrus was an American steel-hulled bulk freighter constructed in 1903, originally launched under the name R.E. Schuck. Designed to operate on the Great Lakes, she was built to carry bulk cargo, notably iron ore. The vessel's specifications are not detailed on the Wikipedia page, but her construction as a steel-hulled ship indicates a robust design suitable for the demanding conditions of Great Lakes shipping. In service, the Hydrus was involved in transporting iron ore across Lake Huron, among other routes. Her most notable historical event occurred during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, a devastating weather event characterized by waves reaching 35 feet and wind gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour. On or around November 8, 1913, while heading for the St. Clair River, the Hydrus foundered and sank with a crew of twenty-four aboard. The storm claimed the lives of five crew members who were found frozen to death in a lifeboat that washed ashore in Canada. The storm also resulted in the loss of her sister ship, the SS Argus, and the SS James Carruthers, highlighting the storm's severity. The wreck of the Hydrus was discovered in the summer of 2015 by shipwreck hunters led by David Trotter. Located in over 160 feet of water, the wreck remains largely upright and intact, though the hull exhibits damage, with the bow twisted at a 45-degree angle from the rest of the vessel. The ship's holds still contain iron ore, indicating that she was carrying her cargo at the time of sinking. The pilothouse is also intact, complete with the ship's wheel and engine-room telegraph, offering a rare and well-preserved glimpse into early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping. The SS Hydrus holds maritime significance as a survivor of one of the most catastrophic storms in Great Lakes history, and her wreck provides valuable insights into the shipbuilding and maritime hazards of her era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.