The Tragic Tale of the SS Wyoming

The SS Wyoming, launched in 1909, was the largest wooden ship ever built. Measuring 450 feet in length, it was constructed primarily for coal transportation. Despite its impressive size and initial success, the vessel faced significant challenges due to its wooden structure. The ship ultimately sank during a storm in 1924, taking all 13 crew members with it. This article explores the history and fate of the SS Wyoming, highlighting the limitations of wooden shipbuilding.

The SS Wyoming: A Giant of the Seas

The SS Wyoming was a remarkable vessel, measuring 450 feet long with a deck that spanned 350 feet. Its construction required an astonishing 1.5 million feet of Southern pine and 12,000 square yards of canvas. With a beam of just over 50 feet and a displacement of 10,031 tons, it was significantly larger than other wooden ships of its time. For context, wooden warships built for World War I did not exceed 340 feet in length.

The Wyoming’s cargo hold had the capacity to carry around 6,000 tons of coal. In 1910, coal was priced at approximately $12 per ton, meaning the ship could transport around $72,000 worth of coal, equivalent to over $2 million today. This capacity justified the significant costs associated with its construction and maintenance. After its launch in 1909, the Wyoming operated for 15 years, chartered by the International Paper Company in 1916 and later sold to France & Canada Steamship Co. in 1917.

During World War I, the Wyoming successfully evaded a German U-boat and continued its operations until 1924. However, on March 11 of that year, the ship attempted to weather a nor’easter by anchoring off the coast of Massachusetts. Tragically, the vessel sank during the storm, claiming the lives of all 13 crew members. The wreck remained undiscovered until 2003 when it was located in about 70 feet of water by American Underwater Search and Survey Ltd.

Why the Wyoming Was Too Large for Its Own Good

The construction of the SS Wyoming pushed the limits of wooden shipbuilding. Wood has natural growth limitations, and joining beams restrict the size of vessels. As the Wyoming’s length increased, so did the stress it endured from ocean waves. This stress caused sagging, allowing water to enter the hold, which required constant pumping. To counteract this, large metal cross-braces were added to the ship.

Ultimately, the Wyoming’s size contributed to its demise during a nine-day storm. With 5,000 pounds of coal in its hold, the ship likely sagged excessively, leading to structural failure. The vessel may have snapped in half either while afloat or upon sinking. Interestingly, the Wyoming was not initially intended to be the largest wooden ship; the builders aimed to maximize coal capacity without knowing the limitations of wooden construction.

The sinking of the Wyoming serves as a poignant reminder of the natural limits of shipbuilding. By the time it sank, wooden sailing ships were becoming obsolete, replaced by stronger steel vessels. While the Wyoming was financially successful during its operational years, its tragic end underscores the challenges of constructing large wooden ships. Today, it remains a historical curiosity and a gravesite for the lives lost in its sinking.

Source: slashgear.com

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