Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Frank Perry

• Year of Build: 1905

• Vessel Type: Steel Tugboat

• Registry: United States

• Official Number: 202285

• Builder: Ferrysburg, Michigan

• Owner: Based in Marquette, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 128 feet

• Beam: 25.2 feet

• Depth: 12.7 feet

• Gross Tonnage: 496 tons

• Net Tonnage: 337 tons

• Propulsion: Steam screw, 193 indicated horsepower

• Service: Towing operations

• Crew: 8

• Final Location: Off Boot Island, Cheneaux group, Lake Huron

• Date of Incident: October 20, 1905

Vessel Type Description

The Frank Perry was a steel-hulled Tugboat, purpose-built to handle towing duties on the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. With its powerful steam engine generating 193 indicated horsepower, the Tug was well-suited for assisting larger vessels and navigating treacherous lake conditions. Its modern design and robust construction made it a vital asset in Great Lakes commerce, capable of enduring heavy use and severe weather.

History

Launched in 1905, the Frank Perry quickly entered service, supporting the bustling maritime trade that characterized the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. The Tug was primarily tasked with towing operations, a critical role given the vast quantities of cargo transported across the lakes by larger freighters and schooners.

On October 20, 1905, the Frank Perry faced one of its greatest challenges during a ferocious storm that swept across the region. The storm, which caused widespread devastation, struck Lake Huron with violent winds and towering waves. Near Boot Island in the Cheneaux group, the Tug encountered perilous conditions that resulted in its sinking.

Remarkably, all eight crew members survived the ordeal, rescued despite the severe weather. The vessel, however, sustained significant damage. Reports indicated the Frank Perry suffered breaches requiring the replacement of 20 Hull plates. After the storm subsided, the Tug was salvaged and transported to Detroit, where it underwent extensive repairs.

Final Disposition

Unlike many other vessels lost during the 1905 storm, the Frank Perry was successfully salvaged and repaired. Following the replacement of damaged Hull plates, the Tug returned to service on the Great Lakes, resuming its towing operations. The resilience of both the vessel and its crew exemplifies the determination of Great Lakes mariners and shipbuilders.

Located By & Date

• Location: Off Boot Island, Cheneaux group, Lake Huron

• Salvaged: Shortly after the storm, though the exact date is unspecified

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Obstruction: None, as the vessel was salvaged.

• Advisories: Mariners navigating the Cheneaux group should remain alert to the region’s history of sudden severe weather, which continues to pose risks.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime History: Comprehensive records of vessels like the Frank Perry.

• Institute for Great Lakes Research: Perrysburg, Ohio – Researching tugboats and other work vessels on the Great Lakes.

• Visual References: 3DShipwrecks.org (No listing for the Frank Perry as it was salvaged).

Conclusion

The story of the Frank Perry highlights the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes maritime operations. Despite the devastating storm of 1905, the Tug’s survival and successful salvage underline the ingenuity and determination of the era. The vessel’s continued service after extensive repairs adds to its legacy as a vital part of the region’s maritime history, reminding us of the unpredictable challenges posed by these vast inland seas.

Keywords

#FrankPerry #GreatLakesStorm #TugboatWreck #LakeHuron #CheneauxGroup #MaritimeHistory #SalvagedShipwrecks #GreatLakesNavigation #1905Storm