Daniel J. Morrell
1907—1966

The Daniel J. Morrell was a steel freighter of the 600 foot class, built in 1907. On the night of November 29,1966 while upbound on Lake Huron, the Morrell broke in half off the tip of Michigan’s thumb. One man (Dennis Hale) survived 36 hours in a life raft before getting rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter after the raft washed ashore 15 miles north of Harbor Beach.

The bow and stern sections lie on the bottom a remarkable 7 miles apart, both in a little more than 200 feet of water. Diving the bow requires a boat ride of almost 20 miles out into Lake Huron, a true offshore experience.

Story and photos ©2005 J.R. Underhill Communications

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