The SS Vienna was a wooden propeller steamship built in 1873 by Quayle & Martin in Cleveland. She measured 191 feet in length, 34 feet in beam, and had a depth of 14 feet. Her gross tonnage was 1006, and her net tonnage was 829. She was originally built for the Cleveland Navigation Company and was registered in Cleveland, Ohio, with the official number 25875.
On September 16, 1892, the Vienna was towing the barge MATTIE C. BELL in foggy conditions when she was struck broadside by the wooden propeller NIPIGON in Whitefish Bay, Michigan. The collision caused a massive hole in her side, and she quickly sank. The NIPIGON attempted to tow the Vienna, but the damage was too severe, leading to her sinking in about 146 feet of water, approximately one mile from the shore.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the Vienna’s close proximity to the shore and moderate depth made her a popular diving site for recreational divers. Today, the wreck lies intact in about 145 feet of water, with the deck accessible at 120 feet. Divers can explore the wreck, including her bow cabins and intact engine. The wreck offers a unique opportunity to witness a nearly intact wooden steamer from the late 19th century.
Exploring the Vienna’s wreck, divers can see the collision break, a small wooden boat, and various artifacts left behind, including cups, shovels, hammers, and a capstone. Descending towards the stern, divers can observe the massive rudder, rudder shaft, and the propeller. The triple-expansion steam engine of the Vienna also features a star-shaped oil-painted decoration, providing a glimpse into the domestic life of the crew during their long voyages.
Divers visiting the Vienna can choose to do one long dive with rebreathers to see the whole wreck or opt for two shorter dives, exploring the bow and stern separately. The wreck is typically moored with two lines, courtesy of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, making it accessible and safe for divers to explore and appreciate the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
