Identification & Site Information:

• Vessel Name: Emily P. Weed (renamed Sevona in 1898)
• Type: Steam Screw Freighter
• Built: 1890, Bay City, Michigan

Dimensions (Post-Modification in 1904):

• Length: 380 feet (115.8 meters)
• Beam: 46 feet (14 meters)
• Depth: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: Increased after 1904 modifications
• Engine: Steam-powered, with a notable electric light plant installed during the 1904 refit.
• Incident Location: Sand Island Shoal, near New York Island in the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior
• Date of Incident: September 2, 1905
• Depth of Wreck: 20 feet (6 meters)

Vessel Type Description:

The Sevona was a large, steel-hulled steam screw freighter, primarily engaged in carrying bulk cargo such as iron ore and package freight. Originally launched as the Emily P. Weed, the vessel reflected the evolving maritime technology of the late 19th century. After its renaming in 1898, the Sevona underwent significant modifications in 1904, including lengthening, an increase in tonnage, and the installation of an electric light plant, a modern feature for its time.

History:

•1890–1898: Launched as the Emily P. Weed, the vessel served the freight and package trade efficiently.

•1898: Ownership changed, and the vessel was renamed Sevona.

•1904 Modifications:

•Lengthened for increased capacity.

•Tonnage increased to accommodate more cargo, particularly iron ore.

•Installed an electric light plant, signaling the vessel’s modernization.

The Wreck:

On September 2, 1905, during a fierce gale on Lake Superior, the Sevona struck Sand Island Shoal near New York Island in the Apostle Islands.

•The vessel broke in two shortly after grounding.

•Of the 23 people aboard, seven lives were lost, marking a tragic chapter in Great Lakes maritime history.

•The cargo of iron ore, valued at $220,000, was lost.

Post-Wreck Actions:

•1909: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dynamited the wreck to eliminate the hazard it posed to navigation.

•Salvage operations removed the engine, boilers, and sections of the Hull plating before the explosion.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The Sevona lies in 20 feet of water on Sand Island Shoal.

•Remains:

•The lower steel Hull, including Keel, Keelson, floors, stringers, and parts of the steel tank top plate, is intact.

•Two large Hull sections:

•One oriented east-west.

•Another oriented northwest-southeast.

•A debris field surrounds the site, containing structural materials such as plates, beams, and frames.

•The seabed is flat sandstone, providing a stable resting place for the wreck.

•Dive Accessibility:

•Shallow depth (20 feet) makes the site ideal for recreational divers.

•The wreck offers insights into early 20th-century shipbuilding and the dynamics of maritime disasters.

Significance:

The Sevona’s wreck is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by freighters on the Great Lakes. It serves as a valuable archaeological site, providing a window into the design and operation of steam-powered freighters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its relatively intact lower Hull sections and debris field offer historians and divers a tangible connection to its storied past.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• 3DShipwrecks – Sevona

3D Model – Sevona

Sevona by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion:

The Sevona’s wreck stands as a silent witness to the challenges of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and underwater hazards claimed numerous ships. Its remains, lying on Sand Island Shoal, provide an invaluable historical and diving site. The Sevona’s story underscores the resilience of early mariners and the evolution of shipbuilding, making it a cherished piece of Great Lakes heritage.

Would you like details on nearby wrecks or further information on diving conditions in the Apostle Islands?