Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Egyptian
- Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Quayle and Peck, Black River, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 232 ft (70.71 m); Beam: 36 ft (10.97 m); Depth of hold: null
- Registered Tonnage: 1,429
- Depth at Wreck Site: 70.1 m / 230 ft
- Location: Approximately 15 miles off Alpena, Michigan
- Original Owners: Not documented
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Egyptian was a pioneering wooden propeller bulk freighter, designed to transport large volumes of bulk cargo, such as coal. It represented an early step in the evolution of Great Lakes shipping.
Description
The Egyptian lies in 230 ft of water, remarkably well-preserved due to Lake Huron’s cold and fresh environment. Notable features include:
- Hull and Structure: The wooden hull is intact, showcasing the craftsmanship of its time, with evidence of fire damage near critical sections of the vessel.
- Machinery and Artifacts: The fore-and-aft compound steam engine is still in place, offering a rare glimpse into early steam technology. The propeller and shaft are visible at the stern, part of the vessel’s innovative propulsion system. Coal remains in the hold, providing a tangible link to the vessel’s final voyage.
History
The Egyptian was built in 1873 by Quayle and Peck in Black River, Ohio. A significant innovation was its fore-and-aft compound steam engine, the first of its kind on the Great Lakes, which improved efficiency and performance. On December 1, 1897, the Egyptian caught fire and sank 15 miles off Alpena, Michigan, near Black River. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the crew managed to escape, marking the end of its 24-year service.
Significant Incidents
- December 1, 1897: The Egyptian caught fire and sank, resulting in the loss of its cargo of coal.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Egyptian is protected as part of Michigan’s maritime heritage. Divers must adhere to regulations that prohibit artifact removal or site disturbance.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is in remarkably good condition, with excellent visibility often allowing for documentation and exploration. However, it is accessible only to advanced technical divers with training in deep, mixed-gas diving.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”egyptian” title=”References & Links”]
The Egyptian is a historically and archaeologically significant wreck, representing a key transitional period in Great Lakes shipping. Its intact condition and deep location preserve a wealth of artifacts and structural details, offering insights into 19th-century shipbuilding, propulsion technology, and the coal trade.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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