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First Ascent of the SS Tahoe
The Steam
Ship Tahoe, in all her splendor, in the early 1900's.
Truly the "Queen of the Lake."
August 29, 2000 marked the
sixtieth anniversary of William Seth Bliss' order to open the seacocks
on the SS Tahoe and begin the process of flooding her bilge. A day
later, on August 30th 1940, this elegant lady of the Lake that had
carried both freight and passengers from 1896 to 1934 was put to
rest in over 400 feet of water off Glenbrook. Mr. Bliss' motivation
in scuttling the SS Tahoe (as well as the Nevada and the Meteor)
was both economic and ceremonial. On the one hand, these boats that
had served the transportation needs of the Lake for so long had
become obsolete with the development of the highway system around
Lake Tahoe. Additionally, he viewed it as quite fitting that the
bottom of the Lake should serve as the final home for these historical
icons, and there, they would remain respected and protected.
Following the sixtieth anniversary
of Mr. Bliss' wishes being carried out, New Millennium Dive Expeditions,
in an attempt to continue the tradition of honoring the wishes of
Mr. Bliss, organized a world record (at elevation) dive on the SS
Tahoe. According to dive organizer, Martin McClellan, "...the objective
is to only document through videos and photos the existing conditions
of the SS Tahoe." In order for New Millennium to receive the necessary
sanctions of the various historical societies involved, it was first
necessary to gain approval from Mr. Bill Bliss, William Seth's grandson.
Mr Bill Bliss was quite clear when he noted "she is to be left
untouched" and New Millennium's fervent intentions are to honor
his wishes.
Accomplishing this important historical
adventure required a complex and dangerous diving venue. A number
of very skilled deepwater divers had practiced off various beaches
at Lake Tahoe since May of 1999 in order to accomplish this difficult
diving assignment. Doing the necessary documentation involved complicated
diving logistics, a number of support boats, trained individuals
both under and on the surface of the water and significant support
from sponsors and interested parties. Several dives took place during
the summer of 2002, and all have been documented in detail with
photos like the one above at New Millennium's website.
If you are interested
in learning more about how you can assist in this monumental historical
project please visit their web site at http://www.diverssupport.com/sstahoe.htm
or e-mail Project Coordinator Martin McClellan at mrncclellan@diverssupport.com,
You may also phone him at 1-800-854-0436.
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