Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Frank L. Vance
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: W. Radcliffe
- Dimensions: 258 ft × 40 ft × 24 ft; 1,952 gt, 1,642 nt
- Registered Tonnage: 1,952 gt, 1,642 nt
- Location: Approximately 25 miles southwest of Ludington, Michigan
- Official Number: 120697
- Original Owners: Fay Steamship Co. of Duluth
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Frank L. Vance was a wooden-hulled propeller bulk freighter, primarily used for transporting coal across the Great Lakes.
Description
The Frank L. Vance was a large wooden freight steamer built in 1887. It measured 258 feet in length, 40 feet in beam, and had a depth of 24 feet. The vessel was registered at 1,952 gross tons and 1,642 net tons.
History
The vessel was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, by W. Radcliffe and was operated by the Fay Steamship Company of Duluth. It was primarily engaged in the coal trade on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- October 4, 1910: The Frank L. Vance caught fire approximately 25 miles southwest of Ludington, Michigan, while loaded with coal. The fire consumed the ship, leading to its total destruction. All crew members were rescued safely by the steamer Maggie Marshall, with no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The Frank L. Vance was declared a total loss following the fire. The vessel was destroyed by the blaze, and no recovery of the wreck was reported.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was lost to fire and has not been documented since its sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”frank-l-vance-us-120697″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Frank L. Vance highlights the dangers faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes, particularly in the coal trade. The successful rescue of the crew underscores the importance of maritime safety and rescue operations.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter, built 1887; lost October 4, 1910)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Official Number: 120697
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller bulk freighter
- Built: 1887 in Cleveland, Ohio, by W. Radcliffe
- Dimensions: 258 ft × 40 ft × 24 ft; 1,952 gt, 1,642 nt
- Ownership: Operated by Fay Steamship Co. of Duluth
Final Incident (October 4, 1910)
- Date & Location: October 4, 1910, approximately 25 miles southwest of Ludington, Michigan, on Lake Michigan
- Cargo: Loaded with coal
- Event: The vessel caught fire offshore; blaze consumed the ship leading to her total destruction
- Crew & Rescue: All crew were rescued safely by the steamer Maggie Marshall, with no casualties reported
Summary
The Frank L. Vance was a large wooden freight steamer operating in the Great Lakes coal trade. On October 4, 1910, she caught fire while underway. The crew escaped without casualty, rescued by Maggie Marshall. The vessel was subsequently destroyed by the blaze and declared a total loss.
Research Opportunities
| Area | Importance | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Fire origin & spread | To determine whether the fire began in bunker, engine, etc. | Great Lakes vessel logs; marine insurance filings |
| Crew list & narratives | Adds human context to the disaster | Duluth and Ludington newspapers; crew manifest records |
| Rescue details | Could reveal conditions and rescue efforts | Maggie Marshall logbooks; CG records |
| Weather conditions | To contextualize possible contributing factors | NOAA October 1910 weather data |
| Salvage claims & insurance | To explore if parts were recovered post-loss | Marine insurer archives; Steamship Company records |
Which path would you like to pursue next?
- Locate October 1910 newspaper articles from Ludington, Duluth, or Chicago detailing the fire
- Access the Maggie Marshall’s deck logs or U.S. Coast Guard records covering the rescue
- Pull insurance and salvage documentation relating to the loss
- Obtain NOAA historical weather data to examine lake conditions that day