Diving atSS Clifton (United States)
September 21, 1924, marked the violent end of the SS Clifton in Lake Huron, claiming the lives of all 25 crew members. A cargo steamship, laden with 2200 tons of crushed stone, it likely succumbed to a severe gale. For over 90 years, its exact resting place remained an enduring maritime mystery, despite initial wreckage sightings. Discovery in 2016 unveiled a significant piece of Great Lakes history.
During this afternoon at SS Clifton, the recorded air temperature stands at 5.7°C. The water surface currently features wave heights of 0.9m. These conditions reflect the midday climate for this dive site.
Dive Site Coordinates
44.3601, -82.5701
Dive Site Overview
Exploring the SS Clifton offers a rare glimpse into a unique piece of maritime engineering: the whaleback steamship. Distinctive 19th-century vessels, whalebacks featured low, rounded hulls and decks, engineered for efficiency against water and wind resistance.
The Clifton represented the last whaleback yet to be located in Lake Huron when diver David Trotter confirmed its identity in 2016, following a three-decade search. His team initially surveyed other wrecks in June 2016, only to serendipitously encounter another submerged ship, later confirmed as the long-lost Clifton. Its discovery approximately 100 miles south of the believed sinking location demonstrates that last sightings don't always pinpoint a disaster's exact coordinates.
At the time of its loss, the ship transported crushed stone from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to Detroit. Subsequent expeditions in July and August 2017 allowed for extensive documentation, exploring the ship externally and internally, enriching understanding of this historical site.
Best Time to Dive
For the most favorable diving conditions at the SS Clifton, planning a trip during the summer months is advisable, particularly from May through September. During these periods, dive scores are consistently rated 'Good', indicating more stable conditions. Air temperatures rise from 5.3°C (41.5°F) in May to a peak of 18.3°C (64.9°F) in August, providing a more comfortable topside experience. Critically, wave heights during July and September average around 0.53-0.65 m (1.7-2.1 ft), with wind speeds decreasing significantly to 25.6-27.2 km/h (15.9-16.9 mph), making for calmer surface conditions. Rainfall also tends to be lower, generally around 1.1-1.7 mm (0.04-0.07 inches) during these peak months, further enhancing the overall diving experience compared to the 'Poor' or 'Moderate' scores reported in colder, windier seasons.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Descending onto the SS Clifton reveals a vessel resting on its side, a testament to its dramatic sinking. Significant damage appears on the bow, likely from its impact with the lakebed. Divers report that the stern section, along with much of its interior paneling and architectural details, remains remarkably well-preserved. Explorers have even spotted an unopened suitcase and original signage within the ship, offering a poignant connection to its past. While a clear mechanical cause for its sinking hasn't been established, a self-unloading mechanism was found intact, ruling out its failure as a primary factor in the instability. Visibility varies depending on conditions and time of year, with summer months often providing clearer perspectives for underwater exploration and photography.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the SS Clifton demands advanced wreck diving skills and meticulous planning due to its depth and the inherent conditions of Lake Huron. It's not a site for inexperienced divers; specialized training in deep and overhead environments is crucial. Cold water conditions necessitate appropriate dry suit diving experience and robust thermal protection. While specific hazards like currents are not consistently reported for this particular wreck, general Great Lakes diving involves careful consideration of potential surges and variable visibility. Divers should prioritize robust dive computers, redundant air sources, and an experienced guide familiar with deep wreck protocols. Always conduct thorough equipment checks and adhere to a conservative dive plan, respecting the historical significance and delicate nature of the wreck.
Recommended Equipment
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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Because recent water temperature readings are not available for SS Clifton, the guidance below is based mainly on current air conditions and seasonal expectations. Current surface air temperatures are roughly 6°C (42°F).
Longer-range forecasts show some uncertainty in upcoming temperature trends. Cooler days are ahead; you might want a warmer option for later in the week. A neoprene vest or hood can add flexibility if temperatures feel cooler underwater.
Based on regional estimates and current weather, the likely required exposure protection is a thicker wetsuit or drysuit. Note that local currents and upwellings can alter this. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Strong cold advisory: dress warmly immediately after exiting the water. Some divers naturally tolerate cooler water better than others. Stronger winds may also make surface intervals feel cooler than usual. Surface intervals may feel noticeably cooler once you exit the water.
Conditions last reviewed: 12:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at SS Clifton
Encounters at the SS Clifton often feature the shipwreck itself as the primary focal point, a colossal artifact now part of the deep lake ecosystem. While specific marine life reports are limited, the structure likely attracts common Great Lakes fish species, which utilize the wreck for shelter and foraging. Observations tend to focus on the ship's preserved features and the historical context rather than a vibrant, diverse reef-like environment. Divers might notice native bottom dwellers or smaller schooling fish navigating the wreck's various compartments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SS Clifton?
SS Clifton was a whaleback cargo steamship, a distinctive vessel type from the late 19th century, designed with a unique rounded hull. It sank in Lake Huron on September 21, 1924, while carrying 2200 tons of crushed stone, resulting in the loss of all 25 crew members.
When was the SS Clifton discovered?
Officially identified in September 2016 by diver David Trotter, SS Clifton's discovery followed a search spanning over 30 years. His team later conducted extensive documentation expeditions in July and August 2017 to further explore and record the wreck.
Where is the SS Clifton located?
Wreckage of the SS Clifton lies in Lake Huron, approximately 100 miles south of where many shipwreck hunters initially believed it had sunk. Its precise coordinates were logged upon discovery.
What can divers expect to see on the wreck?
Divers can expect to see a whaleback steamship resting on its side, with a shattered bow but a largely preserved stern, interior paneling, and architecture. Reports indicate sightings of an unopened suitcase and original signage within the vessel.
What is the typical water temperature at the SS Clifton?
Water temperatures for the Great Lakes can be quite cold, even in summer. While specific water temperatures for this site are not consistently reported, divers should anticipate cold-water conditions, necessitating appropriate thermal protection like dry suits.
What skill level is required to dive the SS Clifton?
Diving the SS Clifton requires advanced wreck diving skills due to its depth and the challenging conditions often found in Lake Huron. Experience with cold-water diving, dry suits, and potentially overhead environments is highly recommended.
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