The Shipwreck of the Grecian (1891–1906)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Grecian
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 86136
• Type at Loss: Propeller, steel-hulled freighter
• Built: 1891, Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
• Specifications: 296′ 2″ x 40′ 4″ x 21′ 1″ (90.3m x 12.3m x 6.4m), 2,348 gross tons, 1,875 net tons
• Date Lost: June 15, 1906
• Place of Loss: North of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
• Cause of Loss: Stranded, then sank while under tow
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: None (unladen)
• Coordinates: Latitude: 44°58’06.2”N Longitude: 83°12’W
• Final Depth: 70′-105′ (21m-32m)

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Vessel Type

The Grecian was a steel-hulled bulk freighter, part of the transition from wooden Great Lakes cargo vessels to modern steel freighters. Designed with a double-bottom ballast system and three watertight bulkheads, the ship was engineered for durability in the often-hazardous conditions of the Great Lakes.

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Description & History

The Grecian was launched in 1891 by Globe Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio, for the Menominee Transit Company. Built for hauling iron ore, it frequently transported cargo between the Chapin Iron Mining Company’s docks in Escanaba, Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1896, the vessel completed 35 round trips, moving 93,000 tons of iron ore through the Great Lakes.

By 1901, the ship was acquired by the Pittsburgh Steamship Company and registered in Duluth, Minnesota.

On June 7, 1906, the Grecian ran aground near De Tour, Michigan, in heavy fog. A temporary patch was installed, and the ship was set to be towed to Detroit for repairs by the Steamer Sir Henry Bessemer. However, while en route on June 15, 1906, the Grecian began taking on water and sank in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. The entire crew escaped safely in lifeboats.

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Final Disposition

The Grecian settled upright in 70 to 105 feet (21m-32m) of water. While the bow and Stern remain intact, the midsection collapsed, offering a unique view into early steel ship construction. The wreck contains its engine, boilers, propeller components, and Deck machinery, along with a steel canalon salvage lifting device from a failed 1909 salvage attempt.

In 1989, the wreck was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its historical significance.

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Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the Grecian was identified and extensively surveyed as part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary project. The wreck remains a popular dive site for maritime enthusiasts and researchers.

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Notmar & Advisories

• Navigation Hazard: The Grecian remains a submerged obstruction; vessels navigating near Thunder Bay Island should consult current nautical charts and NOTMARs (Notices to Mariners) for updates.
• Dive Conditions: The site rests at a depth range of 70 to 105 feet, making it accessible to advanced divers. However, Visibility and currents vary.

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Resources & Links

• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Site
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• National Register of Historic Places

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Conclusion

The Grecian is an iconic example of 19th-century steel shipbuilding and its risks. Though intended for durability, its Hull proved brittle, leading to its sinking in Lake Huron. Today, it remains a preserved historical wreck and a valuable dive site, offering a glimpse into the Great Lakes’ maritime past.

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Keywords & Categories

• Grecian Shipwreck
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• Lake Huron Freighter Wreck
• Steel-Hulled Great Lakes Freighter
• 19th Century Maritime History
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks
• Diving Sites in Michigan

📍 View GPS Coordinates on Google Maps: 44°58’06.2”N, 83°12’W