Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: DOVER (formerly FRANK E. KIRBY, later SILVER SPRAY)
- Type: Sidewheel steamer
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock
- Dimensions: Length: 196 ft (59.7 m); Beam: 30 ft (9.1 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 533 tons; Net Tonnage: 375 tons
- Location: Ecorse, Michigan
- Official Number: 120796
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Sidewheel steamer, steel-hulled, passenger vessel
Description
The DOVER, originally launched as the FRANK E. KIRBY in 1890 by Detroit Dry Dock in Wyandotte, Michigan (hull number 101), was a steel-hulled sidewheel steamer designed for passenger service. Renowned for her graceful lines and popularity, she underwent several name changes, becoming SILVER SPRAY and later DOVER in 1927. Her dimensions were 196 feet in length, a beam of 30 feet, and a depth of 11 feet, with gross and net tonnages of 533 and 375, respectively.
History
Throughout her operational life, the DOVER served various routes and owners, becoming a beloved vessel among passengers for her elegance and reliability. In June 1902, while operating under the name FRANK E. KIRBY, she was heavily damaged in a collision with the freighter WILEY M. EGAN near Amherstburg, Ontario. Despite this setback, she was repaired and continued her service. In February 1929, she suffered a significant fire while docked at River Rouge or Ecorse, Michigan, but was restored and returned to operation.
Tragically, on June 23, 1932, while moored at a layup dock in Ecorse, Michigan, the DOVER caught fire along with several other vessels. The blaze caused extensive damage, leading to her being declared a total loss. The wreck remained at the site until its removal in 1939.
Significant Incidents
- June 1902: Heavily damaged in a collision with the freighter WILEY M. EGAN near Amherstburg, Ontario.
- February 1929: Suffered a significant fire while docked at River Rouge or Ecorse, Michigan.
- June 23, 1932: Caught fire while moored at a layup dock in Ecorse, Michigan, leading to her being declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
Destroyed by fire on June 23, 1932, at Ecorse, Michigan, on the Detroit River. The remains were removed in 1939.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was removed in 1939; no specific details about the removal process are available.
No current navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the former location of the DOVER wreck.
Resources & Links
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The DOVER’s history reflects the challenges and resilience of early 20th-century passenger steamers on the Great Lakes. Despite multiple incidents, including collisions and fires, she remained a cherished vessel until her ultimate demise in 1932.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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