IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The Emma E. Thompson was a wooden bulk freighter built in 1875. Originally equipped with a single mast and powered by a screw propulsion system, the vessel was designed for transporting large quantities of cargo, particularly lumber. Its high-pressure engine provided substantial power for its size, making it a capable vessel for its time. Throughout its operational life, the Emma E. Thompson underwent various modifications, including a conversion into a two-masted schooner and later back to a screw steamer.
HISTORY: Launched in April 1875, the Emma E. Thompson served primarily as a bulk freighter transporting lumber and other goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel’s initial service was marred by several incidents, including running aground and a boiler explosion in its first year. Despite these setbacks, the freighter continued to operate, changing ownership multiple times.
By 1880, the vessel had transitioned to different owners and routes, experiencing additional accidents, such as a collision with the schooner KATE LYONS. After a rebuild in 1881, the vessel was remeasured and continued to serve on the Chicago to Muskegon route.
In its later years, the Emma E. Thompson encountered several incidents, including capsizing in Charlevoix, Michigan, in 1901. Despite these challenges, it remained in service until its final voyage in 1914.
FINAL DISPOSITION: On May 24, 1914, while sheltering behind Innes Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the Emma E. Thompson caught fire. The blaze consumed the vessel, burning it down to the waterline. The crew was rescued by the propeller vessel GERMANIC, but the Emma E. Thompson was lost to the flames. The wreck now rests at a depth of 22 feet in the North Channel of Lake Huron, with the remains serving as a testament to the vessel’s storied past.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Emma E. Thompson. Divers exploring the site should be aware of potential hazards related to submerged wreckage.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the Emma E. Thompson was located in the North Channel of Lake Huron, near Innes Island. The site is known among diving enthusiasts, offering an accessible depth for exploration.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck of the Emma E. Thompson lies at a depth of 22 feet, making it accessible to divers of various skill levels. Although the vessel was burned to the waterline, remnants of the hull and other structures can still be found at the site. The relatively shallow depth and historical significance make this an intriguing dive location.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
KEYWORDS: Emma E. Thompson, Bulk Freighter, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Lumber Trade, Maritime History
CONCLUSION: The Emma E. Thompson represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its operational life, the vessel played a crucial role in the transportation of goods, particularly lumber, across the region. Its final resting place in the North Channel of Lake Huron offers a glimpse into the past, allowing divers and historians to explore the legacy of a vessel that once navigated the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
