E.J. LAWAY Jr. U212765

3 min read

Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Name: Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR.
Vessel Type: Steamer
Dimensions: 73.1 feet in length, 20.7 feet in beam, 6.0 feet in hull depth
Depth of Wreck: 50 feet (17 meters)
Location: Chippewa Point, Drummond Island, Lake Huron (46°06.314’N, 83°44.706’W)
Position: Wreck lying slightly to the left, stern higher than the bow

Vessel Type Description #

The Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR., built in 1914 by Captain Edward J. LaWay in Cheboygan, Michigan, was a versatile cargo transporter designed to carry bulk and package goods across the upper Great Lakes. The vessel, named after Captain LaWay’s son, was equipped with a steam-driven propulsion system, making it a reliable workhorse in the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. Despite its relatively small size, the steamer played an essential role in the region’s transportation network, contributing to the commerce and industry of the time.

History #

The Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. was launched in 1914 and quickly became a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, transporting goods and supplies to various destinations. Captain Edward J. LaWay, a seasoned mariner and skilled hard hat diver, oversaw the vessel’s operations, ensuring its safe passage through the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

On April 17, 1929, the vessel embarked on what would be its final voyage, carrying a load of coal destined for a fishing camp on Burnt Island in the North Channel, just north of Drummond Island. The journey began at the Lime Island coal dock in the lower St. Marys River, with the steamer navigating through ice-filled waters, a common challenge during the early spring months.

Tragedy struck on the morning of April 19, 1929. As the steamer made its way near Chippewa Point on Drummond Island, it encountered a stretch of open water. Seizing the opportunity to increase speed, the vessel unwittingly collided with submerged ice, which punctured the hull. Water quickly began to flood the ship, and despite Captain LaWay’s best efforts to steer the vessel toward a nearby island in hopes of grounding it in shallow waters, the ship continued to take on water and eventually sank.

Miraculously, the entire crew managed to abandon the sinking vessel safely, and no lives were lost. However, the sinking of the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. was a devastating blow to the LaWay family, as it marked the loss of their primary source of income at the onset of the Great Depression.

In 1937, Captain LaWay returned to the wreck site with the intention of raising the vessel for repairs. Unfortunately, the damage to the hull was too severe, and the plan was abandoned. Only minor equipment was salvaged from the wreck.

Final Disposition #

The wreck of the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. now lies in 50 feet of water on the westerly side of the channel between Drummond Island’s Chippewa Point and Milford Island, just south of the Canadian border. The vessel is slightly listing to the left, with the stern resting higher than the bow. The bow section has collapsed and opened, but the hull from the cargo hatch rearward remains largely intact. The pilot house, rear upper decks, and cabins have fallen forward and to the left, creating a large debris field on the lakebed.

Despite the wreck’s age, it remains remarkably well-preserved, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history. Notable artifacts still present on the wreck include a steam windlass on what was once a raised foredeck, the ship’s wheel on a large steam-driven steering mechanism, the original boiler, steam engine, engine gauges, and steam condenser. The rudder and propeller are still in place at the stern, further adding to the site’s allure for underwater exploration.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site. However, divers should exercise caution when exploring the wreck, particularly given its location in a channel where currents can vary.

Located By & Date #

The wreck of the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. has been known to local divers and historians, although the exact date of its discovery remains unrecorded. The site is well-documented and serves as a popular destination for divers interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Resources & Links #

Conclusion #

The wreck of the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The well-preserved state of the wreck, combined with the presence of numerous artifacts, makes it an ideal site for divers of all levels to explore. The vessel’s tragic sinking, coupled with the challenges faced by Captain LaWay in his efforts to raise the ship, adds a poignant layer to the story of this resilient steamer. As divers explore the remains of the E.J. LAYWAY, JR., they become part of an ongoing narrative that connects the past with the present, uncovering the secrets of a bygone era.