Thousand Islander Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: THOUSAND ISLANDER
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: C141756 (originally US#209906)
• Type at Loss: Propeller, steel, passenger Steamer
• Builder: Toledo Shipbuilding Company, Toledo, Ohio
• Hull Number: 126
• Year Built: 1912
• Registered Port: Montreal, Quebec (after Canadian sale in 1915) 
• Original Owner: Likely a U.S. passenger service operator before Canadian transfer
• Later Owner: Canada Steamship Lines
• Specifications: Length: 166 ft (50.6 m) Beam: 32 ft (9.75 m) Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 355 GRT
• Net Tonnage: 241 NRT
• Hull Material: Steel
• Propulsion: Single propeller, steam-powered
• Date Lost: November 21, 1928
• Cause of Loss: Broke Towline during a storm and sank rapidly
• Place of Loss: Midlake off Thunder Bay, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Waterbody: Lake Huron
• Cargo at Loss: None (she was being towed for repairs)
• Loss of Life: None
• Towed By: Propeller COLLINGWOOD
• Bound From: Port Huron, Michigan
• Bound To: Collingwood, Ontario (for scheduled repairs)

Vessel Type

The THOUSAND ISLANDER was a steel-hulled passenger Steamer designed for inland waters, specifically the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River region. Built in 1912 during a period of expanding passenger services on the Great Lakes, she likely served as a Ferry or excursion vessel, catering to both tourists and local transportation routes. Constructed by the Toledo Shipbuilding Company—a well-known builder of durable steel vessels—the THOUSAND ISLANDER represented early 20th-century innovations in passenger ship design. At 166 feet long with a beam of 32 feet, she was a medium-sized Steamer suitable for navigating the busy waterways of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

She had a steel Hull, offering greater durability compared to the wooden vessels still common in the early 1900s. Powered by a steam engine driving a single propeller, she was capable of efficient travel over long distances, transporting passengers comfortably.

In 1915, just three years after her construction, she was sold to Canadian interests and re-registered in Montreal, Quebec. By this time, she was owned by Canada Steamship Lines, one of the dominant shipping companies on the Great Lakes.

History

The THOUSAND ISLANDER served in passenger operations along the Great Lakes, possibly including Ferry routes, local excursions, or service within the Thousand Islands region, which inspired her name. The early 20th century saw a surge in regional tourism, with many steamers like her catering to the growing demand for lake travel.

While specific details of her service history are limited, vessels of her type were often employed seasonally, carrying passengers between ports in Ontario, Quebec, New York, and the upper Great Lakes.

By 1928, the THOUSAND ISLANDER required significant repairs and was laid up in Port Huron, Michigan. Arrangements were made to tow her to Collingwood, Ontario, where she was scheduled for drydock maintenance.

Final Voyage & Loss

On November 21, 1928, the THOUSAND ISLANDER was being towed upbound by the propeller COLLINGWOODacross Lake Huron, en route from Port Huron to Collingwood for repairs. She was empty of cargo and passengers, with minimal crew on board to manage the tow.

As they crossed Thunder Bay, a sudden severe storm developed, bringing high winds and heavy waves. The tow cable snapped under the strain of the rough conditions, leaving the THOUSAND ISLANDER adrift in open water.

Without the power to maneuver or hold position, the vessel took on water rapidly. Despite the efforts of her crew and the COLLINGWOOD to re-establish the tow, she sank quickly into the depths of Lake Huron.

Fortunately, no lives were lost. The crew managed to evacuate safely, likely rescued by the COLLINGWOOD before the THOUSAND ISLANDER went down.

Final Disposition

• Declared a Total Loss: 1928
• Cause of Loss: Broke Towline during a storm and Foundered
• Current Status: Wreck likely located in deep waters off Thunder Bay, Michigan
• Potential Dive Site: Unconfirmed wreck; may be in depths exceeding 100 ft (30 m), posing challenges for divers
• Status: Wreck not officially located or identified in modern records
• Approximate Location: Midlake off Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
• Potential Dive Conditions: Strong currents, cold water, and varying Visibility

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Obstructions: None currently reported specifically related to this wreck
• Advisories: Mariners should exercise caution in Thunder Bay, known for sudden storms and unpredictable conditions

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database
• Library and Archives Canada
• David Swayze’s Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD)
• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Conclusion

The loss of the THOUSAND ISLANDER highlights the persistent dangers of Great Lakes navigation, even for vessels not under their own power. Despite advancements in steel Hull construction and steam power, the unpredictable weather of Lake Huron remained a formidable threat.

While the vessel’s wreck site has yet to be definitively located, it may rest in the cold, deep waters off Thunder Bay, an area rich in shipwreck history. Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of even the most modern ships in the face of nature’s power, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.