Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Frank Perry
- Type: Steel Tugboat
- Year Built: 1905
- Builder: Ferrysburg, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 128 ft (39 m); Beam: 25.2 ft; Depth of hold: 12.7 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 496 tons
- Location: Off Boot Island, Cheneaux group, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 202285
- Original Owners: Based in Marquette, Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Frank Perry was a steel-hulled tugboat, purpose-built to handle towing duties on the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. With its powerful steam engine generating 193 indicated horsepower, the tug was well-suited for assisting larger vessels and navigating treacherous lake conditions. Its modern design and robust construction made it a vital asset in Great Lakes commerce, capable of enduring heavy use and severe weather.
Description
Launched in 1905, the Frank Perry quickly entered service, supporting the bustling maritime trade that characterized the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. The tug was primarily tasked with towing operations, a critical role given the vast quantities of cargo transported across the lakes by larger freighters and schooners.
On October 20, 1905, the Frank Perry faced one of its greatest challenges during a ferocious storm that swept across the region. The storm, which caused widespread devastation, struck Lake Huron with violent winds and towering waves. Near Boot Island in the Cheneaux group, the tug encountered perilous conditions that resulted in its sinking.
History
Remarkably, all eight crew members survived the ordeal, rescued despite the severe weather. The vessel, however, sustained significant damage. Reports indicated the Frank Perry suffered breaches requiring the replacement of 20 hull plates. After the storm subsided, the tug was salvaged and transported to Detroit, where it underwent extensive repairs.
Significant Incidents
- October 20, 1905: The Frank Perry sank during a storm on Lake Huron, but all crew members were rescued.
Final Disposition
Unlike many other vessels lost during the 1905 storm, the Frank Perry was successfully salvaged and repaired. Following the replacement of damaged hull plates, the tug returned to service on the Great Lakes, resuming its towing operations. The resilience of both the vessel and its crew exemplifies the determination of Great Lakes mariners and shipbuilders.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Located off Boot Island in the Cheneaux group, the Frank Perry was salvaged shortly after the storm. There are no current obstructions reported in the area, but mariners should remain alert to the region’s history of sudden severe weather.
Resources & Links
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The story of the Frank Perry highlights the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes maritime operations. Despite the devastating storm of 1905, the tug’s survival and successful salvage underline the ingenuity and determination of the era. The vessel’s continued service after extensive repairs adds to its legacy as a vital part of the region’s maritime history, reminding us of the unpredictable challenges posed by these vast inland seas.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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