Shipwreck Report: M.M. DRAKE (1901)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: M.M. DRAKE
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 91485
• Type at Loss: Wooden Bulk Freighter
• Date Built and Launched: 1882
• Builder: Union Dry Dock Co., Buffalo, NY
• Hull Number: 31
• Master Carpenter: M.M. Drake
• Measurements: 201 ft (61.3 m) length, 34.5 ft (10.5 m) beam, 14.6 ft (4.4 m) depth
• Tonnage: 916 gross tons, 762 net tons
• Date Lost: October 2, 1901
• Place of Loss: Off Vermilion Point, near Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior
• GPS N 46° 46.588′, W 085° 05.933′

Vessel Type

Wooden Bulk Freighter (Steam-Powered, Screw Propulsion)

Description

The M.M. DRAKE was a wooden bulk freighter, built in 1882 at Buffalo, NY, for John Green of Buffalo. She was powered by a for-and-aft compound steam engine, originally from the Steamer AMAZON (1873), giving her 250 horsepower.

Over the years, the vessel changed ownership multiple times, eventually becoming part of the James Corrigan fleet of Cleveland, OH, by 1899. She was often used as a towing Steamer, pulling Schooner-barges carrying coal, iron ore, and general cargo.

In 1900, she was towing the Schooner-Barge R. HALLARAN when a severe storm caused the Towline to break. Despite her crew’s efforts, R. HALLARAN drifted off into fog and was never seen again.

Final Voyage & Loss

On October 2, 1901, M.M. DRAKE was towing her consort, the Schooner-Barge Michigan, across Lake Superior with a cargo of iron ore when disaster struck.

During the voyage, M.M. DRAKE encountered a struggling vessel in distress and attempted to rescue its crew. However, while performing the rescue operation, M.M. DRAKE collided with her own consort, Michigan. The impact was severe, causing M.M. DRAKE to founder near Vermilion Point, not far from Whitefish Bay.

The Steamer NORTHERN WAVE and CRESCENT CITY arrived at the scene and rescued most of the crew, but one life was lost in the accident.

The vessel’s documents were surrendered on February 5, 1902, officially marking her as lost.

Final Disposition

Sunk after a collision with her consort Michigan near Vermilion Point, Lake Superior, on October 2, 1901.

• One life lost
• Most of the crew rescued by NORTHERN WAVE and CRESCENT CITY
• Wreck located in 1978

Located By & Date Found

• Wreck discovered in 1978
• Resting in approximately 50 feet (15 meters) of water

The wreck of M.M. DRAKE is now a popular dive site, with her wooden Hull relatively intact due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior.The condition of the Drake varies greatly due to the shifting sands of Lake Superior, which cover and uncover different sections of the wreck over time.

In a 2022 survey, only the following features were visible:

• Part of the surrounding wooden Hull
• Boiler
• A small part of the Stern, including:
• Engine base
• Crankshaft
• Thrust bearing
• Propeller shaft
• Deadwood
• Hanger bearing

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck is listed on navigational charts and protected under maritime heritage laws.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit
• Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
• Milwaukee Public Library’s H.G. Runge Collection
• 3D Shipwrecks – Drake

Conclusion

The M.M. DRAKE played a significant role in Great Lakes shipping, both as a bulk freighter and a towing vessel. Her loss in 1901, following a collision with her own consort during a rescue attempt, is a tragic example of the dangers of early shipping on Lake Superior.

Her earlier involvement in the loss of R. HALLARAN in 1900 further cements her history of high-risk voyages.

Today, her wreck remains in shallow waters off Vermilion Point, serving as an underwater time capsule of wooden freighter construction in the late 19th century.

3D Model – Drake

Drake by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Vermilion Point: A dangerous stretch of Lake Superior shoreline, known for its many shipwrecks and shifting weather patterns.

Keywords: M.M. DRAKE shipwreck, Lake Superior wrecks, Whitefish Bay collision, James Corrigan fleet, Great Lakes bulk freighters

Categories: Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Bulk Freighter Losses, Towing Vessels, Collision-Related Shipwrecks, 19th-Century Maritime Disasters

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner-Barge: A sailing vessel modified to be towed by a Steamship, often used in the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade.
• For-and-Aft Compound Engine: A steam engine design with two cylinders of different sizes, improving efficiency by using steam at different pressure levels.