The *Eber Ward*, a distinguished package freight propeller with a storied career, ended its service in tragedy on April 20, 1909. Striking an ice flow in the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac, the vessel succumbed to the icy depths, becoming one of the many shipwrecks that haunt the Great Lakes. This article delves into the fascinating history of the *Eber Ward*, its catastrophic sinking, and its transformation into a renowned dive site today.
The *Eber Ward* was built by F. W. Wheeler & Co. in West Bay City, Michigan, and launched in July 1888. Named after Eber Brock Ward, a prominent shipowner and industrialist, the vessel was designed to serve as a package freighter for the Detroit & Lake Superior Line. With a gross tonnage of 1,344 and a length of 213 feet, the ship was equipped to handle both package and bulk freight, boasting two decks and a powered unloading apparatus for grain cargo. In its later years, it even featured electric lighting—a modern marvel at the time.
Constructed with wooden bulk and package freighter designs, the *Eber Ward* had an impressive hull supported by diagonal steel straps on its frames and included a watertight bulkhead for additional safety. It was powered by a steam propeller with a fore-and-aft compound engine, delivering 600 horsepower at 84 RPM.
During its two-decade-long service, the *Eber Ward* played a vital role in transporting goods across the Great Lakes, linking key ports and facilitating commerce in the region. Its ability to handle diverse cargo types made it an essential component of the shipping industry during a time of burgeoning economic growth and industrialization in the United States.
Key Specifications:
– **Builder:** F.W. Wheeler & Co.
– **Year Built:** 1888
– **Gross Tonnage:** 1,344 tons
– **Length:** 213 feet (65 meters)
– **Beam:** 37 feet (11.3 meters)
– **Draft:** 22 feet (6.7 meters)
– **Engine:** For-and-aft compound steam engine
– **Horsepower:** 600 HP at 84 RPM
– **Cargo Capacity:** 55,000 bushels of corn
Throughout its life, the *Eber Ward* underwent several changes in ownership and experienced various mishaps typical of the era’s maritime ventures. It was registered in Detroit and operated by multiple companies, including the Detroit & Lake Superior Line, Union Transit Company, and Hecla Transportation Company.
In 1904, John Boland of Buffalo purchased the vessel with the intention of converting it into a lumber carrier. However, the *Eber Ward* continued its freight duties until its untimely end.
A Fateful Voyage
On April 19, 1909, the *Eber Ward* set out from Chicago after wintering there, heading to Milwaukee to load a cargo of 55,000 bushels of corn bound for Port Huron. As the ship navigated the still-icy Straits of Mackinac on the bright spring morning of April 20, it encountered a deceptive field of slush and windrow ice. The ice appeared navigable, but the reality was quite different.
The ship’s captain, Timese Lemay, made the critical decision to press forward, underestimating the ice’s severity. Unfortunately, this decision would prove disastrous. The *Eber Ward* struck an ice flow with devastating force, tearing its bow open and causing it to sink within ten minutes.
The swift and chaotic sinking left the crew with little time to react. Out of the 16 people aboard, five perished in the freezing waters. Survivors, who had been on deck, managed to launch a yawl boat amidst the chaos and were later rescued by the steamer *Bennington*, which responded to the distress signals. The survivors were brought to Mackinaw City, where they received medical attention and care.
**Casualties:**
– **James Perry** – Watchman
– **John Leubrath** – Fireman
– **John Hern**
– **Kinney McKay** – Deckhand
– **Unnamed Person**
**Survivors:**
– **Captain Timese LeMay** – Detroit
– **A. P. Callino** – First Mate
– **Frank Baldwin** – Chief Engineer, Detroit
– **S. R. Shipman** – Second Engineer
– **Charles Lester** – Wheelsman
– **Frank Gutch** – Wheelsman
– **John Winterhaler** – Steward
– **Mrs. Winterhaler** – Detroit (John’s Wife)
– **August Palmer** – Deckhand
The subsequent inquiry by the United States Steamboat Inspection Service found Captain Lemay guilty of misconduct, negligence, and inattention to duties. His master’s license was revoked, underscoring the severe consequences of the disaster.
The Wreck Today
In 1980, the *Eber Ward* was rediscovered by divers in the Straits of Mackinac, resting upright with its hull intact, albeit cabins missing. Its location five miles west of Mackinac City makes it an accessible yet challenging dive site for advanced divers. The wreck now forms a part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and serving as a poignant memorial to those who lost their lives.
Dive Details:
- Location: 5 miles west of Mackinac Bridge
- Coordinates:Bow: N45° 48.728′ W084° 49.133′
Stern: N45° 48.763′ W084° 49.133′ - Depth:110′ to 140′ (33m to 43m)
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Access: Bow and stern buoys available from late May to mid-September
The *Eber Ward* sits in 145 feet of water, headed due south. The wreck is well-preserved, with the hull remaining intact and several accessible areas for exploration, including the engine room and cargo holds. The deck is littered with historical artifacts, and anchors grace the bow, including a rare mushroom anchor positioned just above the ice-damaged timbers. The ship’s large steam engine, scotch boiler, and four-bladed propeller remain visible, providing divers with a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century shipbuilding.
Several dive operators offer excursions to the *Eber Ward*, emphasizing the importance of careful dive planning and adherence to safety protocols. The wreck’s historical significance and well-preserved state make it a popular site for diving enthusiasts and historians alike.
The sinking of the *Eber Ward* on April 20, 1909, serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes during an era when maritime travel was fraught with challenges. Despite its tragic end, the vessel’s legacy endures through its well-preserved wreck, offering a unique opportunity for exploration and reflection on the rich history of Great Lakes shipping.
As a dive site, the *Eber Ward* continues to captivate those who seek to uncover the stories hidden beneath the waves, providing a tangible connection to the past and a solemn tribute to those who perished in its final voyage.
References and Links
1. Wikipedia contributors. “SS Eber Ward.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Available at: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Eber_Ward).
2. Feltner, Charles E. (1985). *Michigan’s Nautical Time Capsules*. Detroit: Dossin Great Lakes Museum. pp. 31–38. OCLC 12497931.
3. “Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector-General Steamboat-Inspection Service, Year Ending June 30, 1910.” Penn State University. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
4. Detroit Free Press, April 21, 1909 Edition.
5. C. Patrick Labadie Collection. Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library.
6. Swayze, D. David. Swayze Shipwreck File. Historical Collections of the Great Lakes.
7. “Eber Ward,” Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. Available at: [Straits Preserve](https://www.straitspreserve.com/shipwrecks/eber-ward/).
8. Maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.com.
9. Northernwilds.com.
10. Great Lakes Ships Website.
11. “Eber Ward,” Wrecks and Reefs. Available at: [Wrecks and Reefs](https://www.wrecksandreefs.com/eberward.htm).
12. Sea-View Imaging. “Eber Ward Shipwreck.” Available at: [Sea View Imaging](https://www.sea-viewimaging.com/shipwrecks-gallery/lake-michigan-shipwrecks/eber-ward/).
13. Michigan Preserves. “Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve.” Available at: [Michigan Preserves](https://www.michiganpreserves.org/straits-of-mackinac-shipwreck-preserve/).
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PhotoGallery 2024 Becky Kegan-Scott www.Facebook.com
