Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: ISABELLA J. BOYCE

•Type: Sandsucker (Steam Propeller Vessel, Dredge)

•Date of Incident: June 16, 1917

•Location: Off Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41°41.830’ N, 82°46.505’ W

•Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

•Condition: Burned and sank; wreckage lies in shallow water near Middle Bass Island.

Vessel Type Description

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE was a wooden steam propeller vessel later converted into a sandsucker, built in 1889 by Burger & Burger in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. With a Gross Tonnage of 368.28 tons and dimensions of 138.0 feet in length, 29.6 feet in beam, and 11.0 feet in depth, the ship was powered by a 425-horsepower fore-and-aft compound screw engine built by Wilson & Hendrie in 1889. Originally designed for cargo transport, the vessel was modified to function as a sandsucker, dredging sand and gravel for construction and industrial purposes.

History

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE began its career as a steam propeller vessel under the ownership of J. Boyce. Over its operational life, it served various purposes and underwent significant modifications, including a Rebuild by the Empire Shipbuilding Co. in Buffalo, New York. By 1916, the vessel was owned by the Interlake Sand & Gravel Co., operating as a sandsucker on the Great Lakes.

On June 16, 1917, while off Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie, the vessel caught fire. All 11 crew members were rescued without casualties, but the fire destroyed the ship, rendering it a Total Loss. The cause of the fire remains unclear in historical records.

Final Disposition

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE burned and sank near Middle Bass Island. The wreckage rests in 10 feet of water, making it accessible but in poor condition due to the fire and subsequent deterioration over time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck. However, the shallow depth and presence of debris warrant caution for mariners and divers navigating or exploring the area.

Located By & Date

The wreck was identified immediately following the incident in June 1917 and has since been noted by local maritime historians and diving communities.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ISABELLA J. BOYCE is accessible due to its shallow location at a depth of 10 feet. However, the site offers limited structural remains due to the destructive fire and subsequent exposure to environmental factors. It holds historical value for its connection to Great Lakes maritime history and its role in the evolution of sandsucker vessels.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical accounts and vessel registries.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive data on vessels that sailed the Great Lakes.

Conclusion

The sinking of the ISABELLA J. BOYCE on June 16, 1917, reflects the hazards faced by Great Lakes vessels during the early 20th century. Its transition from a steam propeller to a sandsucker highlights the adaptability required to meet the region’s industrial demands. Although the wreck is not well-preserved, its history offers a window into the operational challenges and technological advancements of its time. The site continues to attract interest from maritime historians and Great Lakes enthusiasts.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Sandsucker #IsabellaJBoyce #FireAtSea #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration