Joseph S. Fay (1871)

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Steamer JOSEPH S. FAY #

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Vessel Name: Joseph S. Fay
Year of Build: 1871
Vessel Type: Steamer
Hull Materials: Wood
Original Owner: Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company
Final Location: Near Rogers City, Michigan, Lake Huron
Date of Sinking: October 19, 1905
Cause of Sinking: Ran aground and was broken apart by waves
GPS Coordinates: Approx. 45°25.4’N 83°48.8’W

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Joseph S. Fay was a wooden-hulled steam freighter, designed to carry bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and iron ore. Built in 1871, the Fay was a substantial vessel for its time, playing a crucial role in the shipping industry on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The Joseph S. Fay was an essential part of the Great Lakes’ shipping fleet, transporting goods between ports. However, on October 19, 1905, the vessel ran aground near Rogers City, Michigan, during a storm. The ship was heavily battered by waves, which broke it into pieces.

The ship’s mate, Joseph Syze, tragically drowned during the incident. The remaining crew members managed to reach safety. The wreckage of the Fay is scattered across the shoreline, and remnants of the ship can still be found on the beaches near Rogers City.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Joseph S. Fay was declared a total loss after the wreck. The remains of the vessel are spread out along the shore, with some parts visible above the waterline during low water conditions.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

Located by: Local residents and divers
Date of Discovery: Shortly after the wreck in 1905

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently issued for the wreck site, but the area is well-known among local mariners.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Great Lakes Ships Database: Joseph S. Fay on Great Lakes Ships
Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Joseph S. Fay on Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION #

The stories of the Frank Perry, Joseph S. Fay, and D.P. Rhodes highlight the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These shipwrecks serve as reminders of the harsh conditions and unpredictable weather that have claimed countless ships and lives over the years.