TAMPA (1860)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #

- Vessel Name: Tampa
- Type: Bulk Freighter
- Builder: F.W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan
- Year Built: 1890
- Original Owner: D.C. Whitney Jr., Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions:
  - Length: 291.6 feet
  - Beam: 41 feet
  - Depth: 19.8 feet
- Tonnage:
  - Gross: 1,972 tons
  - Net: 1,632 tons
- Capacity: 3,200 tons of cargo
- Propulsion:
  - Triple expansion steam engine (1,000 horsepower)
  - Two Scotch boilers (11 feet by 12 feet, 150 pounds of steam)
- Masts: Three
- Final Location: Sunk as a breakwater in Belle River, St. Clair, Michigan, in Lake Huron

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Tampa was a bulk freighter built in 1890, characterized by its wooden hull and reinforced with steel arches, diagonal straps, steel pumps, and a steel boiler house. Designed for robust cargo transport across the Great Lakes, it was powered by a triple expansion steam engine producing 1,000 horsepower, supported by two large Scotch boilers. The vessel had a considerable cargo capacity, making it a significant player in the shipping industry during its time.

HISTORY: #

The Tampa began its service on the Great Lakes with its maiden voyage to Lake Superior on August 19, 1890. Throughout its operational life, the vessel was involved in several noteworthy incidents. In 1891, Tampa towed the vessel Ashland and was later damaged in a collision with the whaleback steamship Bartlett in Duluth, Minnesota. The following year, a broken rudder necessitated a tow to Keweenaw Bay.

In 1898, Tampa was involved in towing the ships Paisley and Amazonas. That same year, it ran ashore near Beaver Bay on Lake Superior’s north shore, close to the stranded vessel Arthur Orr. The Tampa was later released and underwent significant rebuilding in Duluth by J. Davidson of Bay City.

Tragically, on July 18, 1911, Tampa sank after a collision with the freighter John W. Gates at Walker Distillery in Walkerville, Ontario, located on the Detroit River. It was subsequently raised and towed to Marine City, Michigan, where it was dismantled.

The Tampa’s final chapter came in 1923 when it was intentionally sunk as a breakwater in Belle River, St. Clair, Michigan, on Lake Huron. For a time, it served as a makeshift billboard before being potentially scrapped by burning later that year.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

The Tampa was dismantled in Marine City, Michigan, after sinking in the Detroit River. It was later sunk as a breakwater in Belle River, St. Clair, Michigan, in 1923.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

The final resting place as a breakwater was established in 1923 in Belle River, St. Clair, Michigan.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

Hazard: None currently documented, as the vessel was deliberately sunk as a breakwater.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

David Swayze Shipwreck File

CONCLUSION: #

The story of the Tampa reflects the challenges and dangers of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its construction in 1890 to its final use as a breakwater in 1923, the Tampa’s history is marked by a series of significant events, including multiple collisions, groundings, and its eventual dismantling. Its legacy continues as part of the underwater landscape of Lake Huron.