A Tragic Maritime Disaster on Lake Superior
On November 27-28, 1905, the Great Lakes were engulfed by the Mataafa Storm. This was a weather event that became a haunting reminder of nature’s ferocity. With its powerful winds and heavy snowfall, this storm led to the destruction of 29 ships and claimed the lives of 36 seamen. The economic impact was a staggering $3.567 million in shipping losses (in 1905 dollars). The storm was particularly infamous for the fate of the bulk carrier SS Mataafa, from which it derived its name.
The Meteorological Conditions
The storm system initially moved across the Great Basin on November 26 and 27. Forecasts were predicting fresh easterly winds for the Great Lakes by the evening of November 27. The United States Weather Bureau issued storm warnings. The winds in Duluth, Minnesota, reached 44 mph (71 km/h) by that evening. By the morning of November 28, conditions had worsened. The storm-force winds and heavy snows were affecting Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Gusts reached up to 68 mph (109 km/h) at Duluth, resulting in lake levels peaking at 2.3 feet (0.70 m) above normal.
A United States Lifesaving Service crew rowing out to rescue the survivors aboard the wreck of SS Mataafa, visible in the background, on November 29, 1905.
The Tragic Fate of SS Mataafa
The SS Mataafa set sail from Duluth at 5 p.m. on November 27, towing the barge James Nasmyth and carrying a cargo of iron ore. As the storm escalated on the 28th, Captain R. The powerful backwaters battered the vessel, driving its prow down and forcing it against the concrete piers.
In a catastrophic twist, the ship was ultimately grounded, breaking in two in shallow water. Of the twelve men in the aft portion of the ship, only three managed to escape. The others succumbed to exposure during the frigid night. Conversely, the fifteen crew members in the fore half were rescued the following day. This was thanks to brave attempts to reach them amid the storm’s chaos.
The Broader Impact on Shipping
The Mataafa Storm not only devastated this one vessel but also affected other ships navigating the Great Lakes during the same period. For example, the steamer Butler faced violent seas and extreme challenges. The steamer ultimately made it safely back to Duluth, witnessing the wreckage of the Mataafa and other vessels along the way. The storm’s impact led to the establishment of the Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. It was built to aid navigation and prevent similar disasters in the future.
The Mataafa Storm is often linked with the “Witch of November,” a term that describes the hurricane-like winds that sweep across the Great Lakes during fall. This phenomenon occurs when cold Arctic air collides with warm Gulf air, creating conditions ripe for severe storms.
The Legacy of the Mataafa Storm
The Mataafa Storm of 1905 remains etched in maritime history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigate the Great Lakes. The losses suffered during this storm are memorialized not only in historical accounts but also in educational curricula, where the Vincent v. Erie case, stemming from the events of the storm, is a staple in law courses.
Many consider the deadliest storm on the Great Lakes to have occurred from November 7-12, 1913. Known as the “Great Lakes Storm,” it caused over 40 shipwrecks and claimed at least 235 lives. A powerful reminder of nature’s strength and the legacy of those lost.
As we remember the lives lost and the courage of those who braved the storms on the Great Lakes, the Mataafa serves as a testament to the resilience of maritime communities and the ongoing need for vigilance against the unpredictable forces of nature.
