Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS America
- Type: Passenger and Package Delivery Steamer
- Year Built: 1898
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan
- Dimensions: 165 ft × 31 ft × 11 ft (50.3 m × 9.4 m × 3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
- Location: Washington Harbor, Isle Royale
- Coordinates: 47.895006106383924, -89.22421960255312
- Official Number: US 107357
- Original Owners: Booth Steamship Company; later U.S. & Dominion Transportation Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
SS America was a hybrid steel-hulled steamer with a wooden superstructure, purpose-built for Great Lakes passenger and package freight service. Powered by a 700 hp triple expansion steam engine and two Scotch boilers, she served as a key regional link in often ice-prone northern waters.
Description
Launched in 1898, the America began service on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Michigan City. In 1902, the vessel was reassigned to Lake Superior under Booth Steamship Company and became a logistical lifeline to Isle Royale, Thunder Bay, and Duluth. Later owners included Booth Fisheries and U.S. & Dominion Transportation Co.
Despite frequent collisions, ice damage, and groundings, America remained in active duty for 30 years. She was praised for her reliability and utility in transporting passengers, mail, fish, and supplies to remote communities.
History
On 6 June 1928, she departed Duluth for her usual route, stopping at Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor. Shortly after resuming course, she struck a submerged reef and grounded again nearby. The vessel flooded and sank stern-first, coming to rest at 200 feet. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury.
Significant Incidents
- On 6 June 1928, the SS America struck a submerged reef and sank, with all 47 aboard rescued.
Final Disposition
The America was declared a total loss. Salvage attempts failed due to funding issues and logistical challenges. Her wreck lies largely intact on a silty slope in Washington Harbor.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Discovered and explored by divers in 1970. The dive site was later mapped and recognized for historic value. One diver died during an early expedition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”america-us-107357″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
No casualties occurred. Crew and passengers were safely evacuated. Historical crew rosters may be found in Booth Steamship Co. archives and Duluth newspapers.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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