IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Viator was a Norwegian-built ocean freighter, powered by a motor rather than steam or sail, which was common for ocean-going vessels of the early 20th century. With a gross tonnage of 983 tons and a length of 232 feet, the Viator was a mid-sized cargo ship designed for long voyages. The vessel’s beam of 33 feet provided stability and cargo capacity, allowing it to transport large quantities of goods across oceans and, later, through the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
Built in 1904 in Stavanger, Norway, the Viator was designed to serve the demands of global maritime trade, carrying goods between continents. By 1935, the vessel was operating in the Great Lakes, where it continued to transport various cargoes. On its final voyage, the Viator was carrying a load of pickled herring when disaster struck.
On October 31, 1935, while navigating through heavy fog northeast of Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, the Viatorcollided with the freighter Ormindale. Despite the advanced navigational aids of the time, including improved charts, designated shipping lanes, and radio communications, the visibility challenges posed by the fog proved insurmountable. The collision was severe, causing the Viator to sink to the bottom of the lake.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Viator now rests at a depth of 188 feet on the lake bottom. The ship lies upright, largely intact except for the damage caused by the collision. The cold, deep waters of Lake Huron have helped preserve the wreck, making it a significant site for divers and maritime historians.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck’s position has been well-documented, with precise GPS coordinates provided: N 44° 59.480′ W 83° 02.229′. The site is a known location within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, making it accessible to those with an interest in Great Lakes shipwrecks.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
The wreck site is marked by a mooring buoy, facilitating safe diving and reducing the risk of further damage to the wreck. Mariners navigating near this area should be aware of the wreck’s location, especially in conditions of reduced visibility.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Thunder Bay NMS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
CONCLUSION #
The Viator is a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by even the most modern ships on the Great Lakes. Despite the technological advancements of the early 20th century, the collision and subsequent sinking of the Viator underscore the unpredictability of the lakes’ weather and the ever-present danger of navigation in dense fog. Today, the wreck serves as a testament to this tragic event and is preserved as part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, offering opportunities for exploration and study.
KEYWORDS #
- Viator shipwreck
- Thunder Bay shipwrecks
- Lake Huron wrecks
- Norwegian freighter collision
- Great Lakes maritime history
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck of the Viator is located at coordinates N 44° 59.480′ W 83° 02.229′ in Lake Huron, within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This site is marked by a mooring buoy to facilitate safe diving and ensure the protection of this historical site. The wreck is accessible to experienced divers, offering a fascinating glimpse into a well-preserved piece of maritime history.
