Identification & Site Information:

• Name: F. H. Prince

• Official Number: 120797

• Date Built and Launched: 1890

• Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Company, Detroit, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 240 ft (73.2 m)

• Beam: 42 ft (12.8 m)

• Depth: 23.4 ft (7.1 m)

• Gross Tonnage: 2,047

• Net Tonnage: 1,547

• Propulsion: Steam screw, 800 indicated horsepower

• Crew: 18

• Date Lost: August 14, 1911

• Location of Wreck:

• East side of Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie

• Coordinates: N 41° 36.240’, W 82° 40.520’

• Depth: 18 ft (6 m)

Vessel Type:

Originally a wooden package freight vessel, the F. H. Prince was later converted into a sand Dredge in 1911.

Description:

Construction and Early Years

The F. H. Prince was built in 1890 for the Rutland Transportation Company of Ogdensburg, New York, to serve in the package freight trade on the Great Lakes. It was a steam-powered wooden ship designed to carry large volumes of cargo efficiently.

By 1911, the vessel was converted into a sand Dredge under new ownership, reflecting the versatility of Great Lakes vessels during this period.

Final Incident and Sinking:

On August 8, 1911, while operating as a sand Dredge near Kelley’s Island, a fire broke out aboard the F. H. Prince. The crew managed to beach the vessel on the island’s east side to prevent further damage or loss of life. Despite the fire being controlled, it reignited on August 14, 1911, completely destroying the ship. The Total Loss was estimated at $50,000, a significant sum at the time.

Site and Features:

• Remains:

• Wreckage includes the propeller shaft and other metal components.

• Located near the Kelley’s Island landing strip for small planes.

• Depth: Shallow site at 18 ft (6 m), accessible to novice divers and snorkelers.

Historical Significance:

The F. H. Prince is a testament to the dynamic use of vessels on the Great Lakes, transitioning from a package freighter to a sand Dredge. Its fiery demise highlights the risks of operating wooden steamships in the early 20th century, particularly with the advent of high-demand industrial modifications.

Located By & Date Found:

The wreckage site, including visible remains like the propeller shaft, is well-documented due to its proximity to a public area and shallow depth. It has become a local historical interest point for divers and historians.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Hazards: The shallow depth and proximity to Kelley’s Island may pose navigation risks for small craft.

• Advisories: Ensure the area is marked on navigational charts and approached cautiously by divers and boaters.

Resources & Links:

• Institute for Great Lakes Research

• Toledo Shipbuilding Master List (Doug Fetherling)

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes archives

Conclusion:

The F. H. Prince’s transition from package freighter to sand Dredge mirrors the evolving industrial needs of the Great Lakes region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its fiery end near Kelley’s Island marks a dramatic close to its service and leaves behind a historical site now accessible to divers and enthusiasts. The remnants of the vessel provide a tangible link to the maritime legacy of the Great Lakes.