It sank four times during its career;[3] finally running aground at Muskegon, Michigan in November, 1934.

[4] She was powered by a 1,400 horsepower triple expansion engine which was fueled by two coal-fired Scotch marine boilers.

[4] Designed by Captain Alexander McDougall to carry bulk cargoes like iron ore or grain economically around the Great Lakes.

They had an unusual cylindrical, cigar shaped hull that when fully loaded resembled a whale's back.

[2] In 1933 the Cort's hull was punctured by ice in the Detroit River; she sank while she was tied up at the Nicholson Transit Company's dock in Ecorse, Michigan.

The US Coast Guard cutter Escanaba that went to investigate the stricken steamer helped all 25 crew members to safety.

Many people on shore watched as the Coast Guard shot a line to the Cort and all members of the crew climbed down from the ship.