Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Viator

Vessel Type: Motor Ocean Vessel (Freighter)

Year Built: 1904

Built At: Stavanger, Norway, by Stavanger, Stoberi and Dok

Final Location: Northeast of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron

Date of Loss: October 31, 1935

Cause of Loss: Collision with the freighter Ormindale during heavy fog

GPS Coordinates: N 44° 59.480’ W 83° 02.229’

Depth: 188 feet

Wreck Length: 232 feet

Beam: 33 feet

Gross Tonnage: 983 tons

Cargo: Pickled Herring

Vessel Type Description

The Viator was a motor-powered freighter, a significant step in maritime technology, transitioning away from steam propulsion. Built for long-haul voyages, it was well-suited for Ocean Trade and later adapted for Great Lakes operations. The ship’s size and robust construction facilitated the efficient transport of substantial cargoes, such as pickled herring, across vast distances.

History

Launched in 1904 in Stavanger, Norway, the Viator began its life as a sturdy ocean-going freighter, contributing to international maritime commerce. By the mid-1930s, it was operating in the Great Lakes, reflecting the versatility of vessels during this period as they transitioned between oceanic and inland service.

On October 31, 1935, the Viator was en route with a cargo of pickled herring. Dense fog northeast of Thunder Bay Island reduced Visibility to dangerous levels. The freighter collided with the larger Steamship Ormindale, an incident that underscores the challenges of navigating the often unpredictable and treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes. Despite the technology of the time, the heavy fog made safe navigation nearly impossible.

The collision caused irreparable damage to the Viator, leading to its sinking. The ship descended to its final resting place in 188 feet of water, taking with it the remnants of its cargo and leaving behind a legacy of maritime tragedy.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Viator rests upright on the lakebed, remarkably intact except for the damage sustained during the collision. The cold, oxygen-deprived waters of Lake Huron have helped preserve the vessel, making it an exceptional example of early 20th-century freighter design. It is a popular site for technical divers and a point of interest for historians.

Located By & Date

The Viator’s location has been precisely documented, with coordinates N 44° 59.480’ W 83° 02.229’. The site is part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, managed for both preservation and education.

NOTMARs & Advisories

A mooring buoy marks the wreck site, ensuring diver safety and minimizing potential damage to the wreck. Mariners in the area should exercise caution, particularly during foggy conditions, to avoid further incidents.

Resources & Links

•Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Thunder Bay NMS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The Viator is a stark reminder of the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, even for modern vessels of its time. Its loss highlights the vulnerability of ships to natural elements, particularly dense fog. Today, the Viator’s well-preserved wreck offers a poignant glimpse into early 20th-century maritime history and serves as a hub for educational and recreational diving activities within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Keywords

•Viator shipwreck

•Thunder Bay shipwrecks

•Lake Huron wrecks

•Norwegian freighter collision

•Great Lakes maritime history

GPS Coordinates & Additional Information

The Viator is located at N 44° 59.480’ W 83° 02.229’, within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The marked mooring buoy facilitates safe exploration by divers, offering a rare opportunity to study a well-preserved freighter and its historical context. Suitable for advanced divers, the site continues to draw attention as a window into the past challenges of Great Lakes navigation.