Identification & Site Information

•Name: Iroquois

•Other Names: None

•Vessel Type: Wooden Passenger Steamer, Two Decks

•Build Information: 1902, Wiarton, Ontario, by Gregory Fitchner using the Hull of the John J. Long

•Specifications:

•Length: 104.4 feet (31.8 meters)

•Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

•Depth: 8.7 feet (2.65 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 240 tons

•Net Tonnage: 153 tons

•Date of Loss: October 24, 1908

•Place of Loss: McBean Channel, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth of Wreck: Unknown

•Lake: Huron

Vessel Type Description

The Iroquois was a wooden passenger Steamer built in 1902, reflecting the ingenuity of early 20th-century shipbuilding practices. Utilizing the Hull of the John J. Long, the Iroquois exemplified the resourcefulness of shipbuilders who repurposed older vessels for modern needs. Equipped with a single Screw Propulsion system, the Steamer was designed for passenger transport in Georgian Bay. Its two-Deck configuration allowed it to accommodate a significant number of passengers, serving as a vital transportation link for Ontario’s coastal communities.

History

Construction and Service

•The Iroquois was constructed in Wiarton, Ontario, by Gregory Fitchner, a notable shipbuilder of the region.

•The vessel was registered under T.C. Simms of Little Current, Ontario, and operated in Georgian Bay, connecting small communities and aiding regional commerce.

•For six years, the Iroquois played an essential role in ferrying passengers and light cargo, becoming a familiar sight on the waters of Georgian Bay.

Final Voyage

On October 24, 1908, the Iroquois struck a rock in McBean Channel, a notoriously treacherous area in Georgian Bay. The collision caused significant damage, and the vessel caught fire shortly thereafter. Despite the dramatic circumstances, there were no casualties reported, indicating a successful evacuation of passengers and crew.

Final Disposition

The Iroquois sank in McBean Channel after hitting a rock and being consumed by fire. The wreckage remains submerged in Georgian Bay, marking the location of its dramatic end. Although the precise coordinates are not specified, the site is believed to lie in a hazardous and rocky section of the channel, which contributed to its sinking.

Significance

The sinking of the Iroquois highlights the challenges faced by early 20th-century steamers navigating the Great Lakes. The vessel’s story is an important chapter in Ontario’s maritime history, illustrating the dangers of poorly charted waters and the resilience of early mariners.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are active for the wreck of the Iroquois.

•Divers exploring McBean Channel should remain cautious of submerged hazards, including rocks and wreckage.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: Given the circumstances of its loss, including fire and a rocky collision, the wreck is likely fragmented and partially buried. The wooden structure may have degraded significantly due to time and environmental conditions.

•Accessibility: The site remains of interest to experienced divers familiar with navigating potentially hazardous underwater environments. However, its exact location and depth require further verification.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive records on vessels operating in the Great Lakes.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck archives.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Extensive historical resources on Great Lakes shipping.

•Bowling Green State University Collections: Historical ship documents and archives.

Keywords

•#Iroquois

•#PassengerSteamer

•#McBeanChannel

•#GeorgianBay

•#LakeHuronShipwreck

•#OntarioMaritimeHistory

•#ShipwreckExploration

•#TCSimms

•#WiartonShipbuilding

Conclusion

The Iroquois, a wooden passenger Steamer, met a dramatic and untimely end in McBean Channel in 1908. Its brief but vital service reflected the importance of maritime transport in Ontario’s Georgian Bay communities. While the wreck’s exact location remains uncertain, its story endures as a testament to the challenges faced by early 20th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. The site offers intriguing opportunities for further exploration and preservation, shedding light on a bygone era of passenger steamers.