Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Grace Dormer
- Type: Propeller Steamer / Ferry Boat
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: Mr. Osman, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 78 ft (23.8 m); Beam: 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft 10 in (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 100 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4 m / 13 ft
- Location: Near Fort Erie, Ontario
- Coordinates: 42.983892, -79.007038
- Official Number: US 10997
- Original Owners: Great Western Railway Co.
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Grace Dormer was a propeller-driven steamer, purpose-built to serve as a ferry boat for the Great Western Railway Co. Her role was to shuttle passengers and cargo between Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario, forming an essential link in the region’s growing transportation network. With a capacity for over 200 passengers, she played a critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and commerce.
Description
The Grace Dormer was constructed in 1868 by Mr. Osman in Buffalo, New York. This ferry boat was designed to support the Great Western Railway Co. in transporting passengers and cargo across the waters of Lake Erie. With a registered tonnage of 100 tons and dimensions of 78 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and a depth of hold of 5 feet 10 inches, she was a significant vessel in the regional maritime landscape.
History
The Grace Dormer faced several significant incidents during her service. On July 3, 1872, while docked at Beaver Island, she was consumed by a fire that tragically resulted in the death of one crew member, a wheelsman. The vessel was salvaged and rebuilt in Port Huron, returning to service on June 25, 1873. On July 1, 1883, she collided with the tug Frank Moffatt near the mouth of Black River, sustaining damage to her wooden hull and taking on water. Thanks to the captain’s decisive actions, all passengers were safely evacuated.
Significant Incidents
- Fire at Beaver Island (July 3, 1872): One crew member perished; the vessel was salvaged and rebuilt.
- Collision with Tug Frank Moffatt (July 1, 1883): The Grace Dormer sustained damage but all passengers were evacuated safely.
Final Disposition
The Grace Dormer was ultimately abandoned in 1925 and left to decay in a boneyard at Buffalo, New York, before being consumed by flames. Her story reflects the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes and the resilience of the maritime community.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Grace Dormer is located near Fort Erie, Ontario, at a depth of approximately 13 feet (4 m). Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving by documenting the site without disturbing the wreck or its surroundings. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”grace-dormer-us-10997″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The legacy of the Grace Dormer serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime history in the Great Lakes region. Her contributions to transportation and commerce, along with her resilience in the face of adversity, highlight the vital role that such vessels played in shaping the economic and social landscape of the area.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Grace Dormer
- Type: Propeller Steamer / Ferry Boat
- Builder: Mr. Osman, Buffalo, New York
- Year Built: 1868
- Owner: Great Western Railway Co.
- Dimensions:
- Keel Length: 78 feet (23.8 m)
- Beam: 18 feet (5.5 m)
- Depth of Hold: 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 100 tons
- Engine Specifications:
- Bore: 13 inches (33 cm)
- Stroke: 10 inches (25 cm)
Vessel Type and Role
The Grace Dormer was a propeller-driven steamer, purpose-built to serve as a ferry boat for the Great Western Railway Co. Her role was to shuttle passengers and cargo between Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario, forming an essential link in the region’s growing transportation network. With a capacity for over 200 passengers, she played a critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and commerce.
Historical Incidents
Fire at Beaver Island (July 3, 1872)
While docked at Beaver Island, the Grace Dormer was consumed by a devastating fire:
•Casualties: One crew member, a wheelsman, tragically perished.
•Outcome: The vessel was salvaged and rebuilt in Port Huron, demonstrating the resilience of the maritime community and the value placed on this critical ferry boat.
Rebuilding and Return to Service (June 25, 1873)
After her reconstruction in Port Huron, the Grace Dormer resumed operations, towing and transporting passengers across the Great Lakes.
Collision with Tug Frank Moffatt (July 1, 1883)
The Grace Dormer experienced another dramatic event when she collided with the tug Frank Moffatt near the mouth of Black River, Port Huron:
- Cause: Despite Capt. Thomas’s efforts to maneuver and avoid the collision, the vessels collided.
- Damage: The Grace Dormer sustained damage to her wooden hull and began to take on water.
- Evacuation: Passengers, including women, were safely evacuated due to the captain’s decisive actions.
- Final Position: The steamer settled in 13 feet (4 m) of water at McMorran’s Dock in Black River.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Grace Dormer stands as an example of the challenges and resilience of Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th century. Serving as a ferry boat, her contribution to regional commerce and cross-border transportation was significant. Her ability to rise from disaster and return to service underscores the determination of maritime industries and the vital role these vessels played in supporting the economic and social fabric of the Great Lakes region.
Geographic Coordinates
•42.983892, -79.007038
This location is near Fort Erie, Ontario, aligning with the operational area of the Grace Dormer in her ferry service between Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie.
The Grace Dormer’s maritime journey, marked by both adversity and resilience, continued for several decades. However, her ultimate fate was sealed in 1925 when she was abandoned and left to decay in a boneyard at Buffalo, New York, before eventually being consumed by flames.
The story of the Grace Dormer is a testament to the challenges faced by vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. It also underscores the courage and resourcefulness of the sailors and captains who braved these waters, and the communities that depended on these vessels for their livelihoods.
Sources and External Links – References
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, May 18, 1868
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, July 9, 1872
- Buffalo Evening Post, July 10, 1872
- J.W. Hall Great Lakes Marine Scrapbook, July 1883
- Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1885
- Article by James Donahue
- Great Lakes Ships Website – Collection of C. Patrick Labadie
- William MacDonald Collection, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit
- Loudon G. Wilson
- Lytle List Great Lakes Ships Website
- Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley
- Peter J. VanderLinden – Alpena Public Library
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University Website
- Mapping Great Lakes Shipwrecks – Jack Grove (location)
- Port Hope History (Facebook)