ISABELLA BOYCE U100446

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Wreck Name: ISABELLA J. BOYCE
Type: Sandsucker (Steam Propeller Vessel, Dredge)
Date of Incident: June 16, 1917
Location: Off Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 41.830′ N, 82° 46.505′ W
Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)
Condition: Burned and sank; wreckage lies in shallow water near Middle Bass Island

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE was a wooden steam propeller vessel, later converted into a sandsucker, built in 1889 by Burger & Burger in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 368.28 tons and a net tonnage of 316.95 tons, with dimensions measuring 138.0 feet in length, 29.6 feet in beam, and 11.0 feet in depth. The ISABELLA J. BOYCE was powered by a fore-and-aft compound screw engine, producing 425 horsepower, built by Wilson & Hendrie in 1889.

HISTORY #

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE began its life as a steam propeller vessel, constructed in 1889 and initially owned by J. Boyce. Over the years, the vessel changed ownership several times, serving different purposes, including its final role as a sandsucker. The ship underwent significant modifications, including a rebuild by the Empire Shipbuilding Co. in Buffalo, New York.

By 1916, the vessel was owned by the Interlake Sand & Gravel Co., and it operated as a sandsucker on the Great Lakes. On June 16, 1917, while off Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie, the ISABELLA J. BOYCE caught fire. Despite the severity of the fire, all 11 crew members on board were rescued, and there were no casualties. However, the fire completely destroyed the vessel, which was declared a total loss.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE burned and sank near Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie. The wreckage now lies in shallow water at a depth of 10 feet. The site is relatively accessible due to the shallow depth, though the condition of the wreck is poor due to the fire and the passage of time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued, but mariners and divers should exercise caution when approaching the area due to the shallow depth and the potential for debris.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the ISABELLA J. BOYCE was identified following the incident in June 1917. The site is known to local maritime historians and diving enthusiasts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck lies in 10 feet of water near Middle Bass Island. Due to the shallow depth and the extensive damage caused by the fire, the site is accessible but may not offer significant structural remains. The site is of historical interest, particularly to those studying Great Lakes maritime history and the evolution of sandsucker vessels.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, ship registries, and maritime logs.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The ISABELLA J. BOYCE’s sinking on June 16, 1917, marked the end of a vessel that had served various roles on the Great Lakes for nearly three decades. Its final years as a sandsucker underscore the importance of such vessels in maintaining navigable waterways. Although the wreck is not well-preserved, its location and history offer a glimpse into the operational challenges and hazards faced by Great Lakes vessels during the early 20th century.