Emperor (Stern)100′ to 170′ 48 12.018’N 88 29.606’WEmperor (Bow)25′ to 60′ 48 12.003’N 88 29.525’W
The Emperor was a bulk freighter that was built in 1911 at Collingwood Shipbuilding Co in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. It had an official number of 126654 and was owned by Inland Lines Ltd at the time of its construction. The vessel was classified as a bulk freighter and was constructed using steel materials. It had a hull number of 28.
The Emperor was powered by a screw propulsion system, driven by a triple expansion engine with cylinder dimensions of 23 1/2 inches, 38 inches, and 63 inches, and a stroke of 42 inches. It had two Scotch boilers measuring 15 feet 6 inches by 12 feet. The engine and boilers, producing 2200 horsepower, were built by the vessel builder in 1911.
With dimensions measuring 525 feet in length, 56 feet in beam, and 31 feet in depth, the Emperor was a sizable freighter designed for carrying bulk cargo.
In terms of ownership, the Emperor initially belonged to Inland Lines Ltd in 1911 and later came under the ownership of Canada Steamship Lines in 1913.
Unfortunately, on June 4, 1947, the Emperor met its final fate when it ran aground and foundered near Canoe Rocks, close to Isle Royale in Lake Superior. The ship sank quickly, with the bow resting in water depths ranging from 25 to 60 feet, while the stern settled into deeper water. Over time, the wreck has become an attraction for divers. The shallower bow area is often explored by less experienced divers, while more experienced divers can venture into the deeper sections of the wreck, such as the stern, which lies at depths of 100 to 170 feet.
Due to the passage of time and the effects of ice, the shallow portions of the wreck, including the pilothouse, have been damaged. However, many features of the ship, such as anchors and deck equipment, can still be explored in the forward section. The stern of the Emperor encompasses the rudder, propeller, engine room, and numerous cabins.
