1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Rappahannock was a steam-powered screw ship with a wooden hull, built in 1895 in West Bay City, Michigan. Measuring 308 feet (93.9 meters) in length and with a gross tonnage of 2,380 tons, the Rappahannock was designed to carry large quantities of cargo across the Great Lakes. The vessel was owned by Captain James Davidson of Bay City, Michigan, who was known for his fleet of wooden freighters operating on the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The Rappahannock served as a vital cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, transporting various goods, including coal. On July 25, 1911, the ship was en route from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Duluth, Minnesota, carrying a cargo of coal. The vessel encountered severe weather conditions in the middle of Lake Superior, including a powerful 70-mile-per-hour gale. The storm caused the ship to develop a significant leak, which rapidly worsened as the vessel battled the elements.
Captain W. A. Rattray, commanding the Rappahannock, made the decision to change course and head for the safety of Jackfish Harbor. Despite his efforts, the leak became unmanageable, and the vessel began taking on water at an alarming rate. The crew managed to run the ship aground on Jackfish Point in 18 feet (5.5 meters) of water, allowing all 18 crew members to disembark safely. Shortly after the evacuation, the Rappahannock slipped off the point and sank in 50 feet (15 meters) of water, eventually resting at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters).
The barge Montezuma, which was being towed by the Rappahannock, broke away during the storm but was later found anchored off Grand Island by the steamer Sacramento, another vessel from the Davidson fleet. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the sinking of the Rappahannock.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Rappahannock sank on July 25, 1911, near Jackfish Bay in Lake Superior after developing a severe leak during a storm. The vessel now lies at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters) at coordinates 48° 48.77′ N, 86° 57.78′ W. The ship was abandoned after the sinking, and no salvage attempts were made.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Rappahannock. However, mariners navigating in the Jackfish Bay area should be aware of the wreck’s presence, particularly given its relatively shallow depth.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Rappahannock is located in Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior, at the coordinates 48° 48.77′ N, 86° 57.78′ W. The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not provided, but the site has been known to mariners and divers for many years.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Rappahannock lies at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters), making it accessible to divers with some experience. The wooden structure may be partially intact, but it is likely that the vessel has deteriorated over the years due to its wooden construction and exposure to the elements. Divers should approach the site with caution, respecting the historical significance of the wreck.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Historical records and sources on the freighter Rappahannock
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The Rappahannock’s sinking is a testament to the dangers faced by vessels navigating the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. The quick thinking of Captain Rattray and the crew’s efforts to ground the ship likely saved their lives. The wreck remains an important part of Lake Superior’s maritime history, providing a glimpse into the challenges of shipping on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the Rappahannock is located at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters), making it suitable for divers with moderate experience. The site offers an opportunity to explore a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history. Divers should be cautious of the wooden structure, which may be unstable due to deterioration. As always, respect for the wreck and its historical context is paramount.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 20th Century
- Wooden Freighter
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Diving Site
CONCLUSION #
The wooden freighter Rappahannock, which sank in 1911 near Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior, remains an intriguing and historically significant wreck. The vessel’s story, from its construction in 1895 to its final moments during a fierce storm, reflects the challenges and dangers of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. The wreck site, now a popular destination for divers, continues to serve as a reminder of the powerful forces at work on the Great Lakes and the bravery of those who sailed them.
