Identification & Site Information

•Name: Rappahannock

•Other Names: None

•Type: Steam Screw Wooden Freighter

•Tonnage: Gross: 2,380 tons

•Length: 308 feet (93.9 meters)

•Location: Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior

•Year of Loss: July 25, 1911

•Coordinates: 48° 48.77’ N, 86° 57.78’ W

•Depth: 85 feet (26 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Rappahannock was a wooden-hulled steam screw freighter built in 1895 in West Bay City, Michigan. At 308 feet in length, this vessel was one of the larger wooden freighters of its time, designed to carry heavy cargoes across the Great Lakes. The freighter was powered by steam and belonged to Captain James Davidson’s fleet, renowned for operating large wooden vessels during the steel ship era.

History

Launched in 1895, the Rappahannock served as a reliable freighter, primarily transporting bulk goods such as coal across the Great Lakes.

•The Final Voyage:

On July 25, 1911, the Rappahannock departed from Ashtabula, Ohio, bound for Duluth, Minnesota, loaded with coal. While crossing Lake Superior, the ship encountered a violent storm with 70-mile-per-hour winds. The rough weather caused the ship to develop a significant leak. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the inflow, the situation became untenable. Captain W.A. Rattray directed the ship towards Jackfish Harbor in hopes of finding refuge, but the vessel was unable to hold out and grounded on Jackfish Point in 18 feet (5.5 meters) of water.

•Evacuation and Sinking:

All 18 crew members safely disembarked before the Rappahannock slid off the point and sank to its final resting place at 85 feet (26 meters). During the same storm, the Barge Montezuma, which the Rappahannock had been towing, broke free but was later found safely anchored.

•Loss Summary:

While no lives were lost, the ship and its cargo were declared a Total Loss. The event highlights the perils of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, particularly during the unpredictable storms of summer.

Final Disposition

The Rappahannock now lies at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters) near Jackfish Bay. Abandoned after sinking, the wreck remains a significant part of Lake Superior’s underwater heritage.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Notices to Mariners: No active advisories are related to the Rappahannock.

•Diving Caution: The wreck is wooden and has been submerged for over a century, leading to structural deterioration. Divers should exercise care while exploring the site.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s location in Jackfish Bay has been known to mariners and divers for many years. It is a well-documented site among the Great Lakes wreck community.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Rappahannock is largely intact but shows signs of natural deterioration due to its wooden construction. It lies at a moderate depth, making it accessible to divers with intermediate experience. The wreck’s wooden structure may include features such as the Hull, Deck components, and machinery remnants.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: A database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website

•Bowling Green State University: Archival research on Great Lakes shipping history.

Diving Notes & Recommendations

The wreck is situated at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters), suitable for moderately experienced divers. Highlights of the dive include:

•The wooden Hull, which offers insight into the construction techniques of the late 19th century.

•The relatively intact sections that provide a sense of the ship’s scale and function.

Divers should be prepared for cold water conditions and ensure they have adequate training for exploring deeper wooden wrecks.

Conclusion

The Rappahannock stands as a poignant example of the challenges faced by wooden freighters on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Its sinking, driven by the harsh forces of nature, underscores the bravery and resilience of the mariners who operated these vessels. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a unique diving site, offering a tangible connection to the Great Lakes’ storied maritime past.

Tags

•#LakeSuperior

•#WoodenFreighter

•#Rappahannock

•#GreatLakesShipwreck

•#DivingLakeSuperior

•#MaritimeHistory

•#ShipwreckExploration