Ships in Trouble: The Great Lakes, 1880-1950 (Looking Back)

A second volume of Ships in Trouble.

Fire, collision, winds, waves and ice, mechanical failure and human error―all can get a ship into trouble. Ships in Trouble 1880-1950 looks back at some of the disasters that have befallen vessels which plied the Great Lakes. It recounts their difficulties on the inland seas as well as the oceans of the World.

Covering the period of both the World Wars, this volume concentrates mostly on the day-to-day challenges of navigating the confined channels and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. Shipping is easier and safer in the twenty-first century than it was in the 1880-1950 era. Then there were more ships, fewer navigation aids and different traffic rules. Today's large and sturdy vessels, with satellite navigation and all the latest electronic equipment are less likely to get into trouble.