International – Lake Superior Steamer Shipwreck (1913)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: International
• Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
• Year Built: 1889
• Builder: O’Grady & Maher, Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions: 80.66 ft (24.6 m) × 26.33 ft (8.0 m) × 7.33 ft (2.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 144.07 gross; 100.65 net
• Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
• Location: Portage Entry, White City, Michigan
• Coordinates: N 46° 58.970′, W 088° 25.840′
• Official Number: 100453
• Original Owners: M. Carroll, Houghton, MI (1913)
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The International was classified as a wooden-hulled propeller steamer, designed for versatility in various maritime roles.

Description

The International was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer constructed in Buffalo, New York, in 1889 by O’Grady & Maher. At just over 80 feet in length, she was designed as a multipurpose vessel, small enough for harbor and government work but also adaptable for passenger excursions. Over her career, she alternated between service roles including harbor towing, excursion operations, and occasional cargo carriage.

History

• 1889 (Sep 14) – Enrolled at Buffalo, NY; employed at Sault Ste. Marie in government service.
• 1891 – Owned by Charles Ripley, Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
• 1893 (May) – Carried excursion passengers to the Chicago World’s Fair.
• 1893 (Nov 24) – Stranded at Round Island Point, opposite Mackinac Island.
• 1899 – Owned by Frank Perry.
• 1904 – Grounded near Hay Lake while carrying an excursion party; successfully freed.
• 1913 (Nov 2) – Owned by M. Carroll, Houghton, MI. Burned at dock at White City, Portage Entry, Lake Superior, and declared a total constructive loss.

Significant Incidents

The International was reported to have burned at her moorings on November 2, 1913, with no casualties reported. The local press noted the incident as a total loss.

Final Disposition

The International burned to a total loss at her moorings at Portage Entry, White City, MI, on November 2, 1913. The wreck remains in shallow water (~10 ft) just off the dock site. No lives were lost.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck has been locally known since its destruction in 1913. Remains lie visible in shallow water at 46° 58.970′N, 88° 25.840′W. No current Notices to Mariners are issued for the wreck area, but wreckage may pose hazards to small craft inshore.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”international-us-100453″ title=”References & Links”]

Access to the wreck is possible via shore dive from White City beach. The site offers good visibility in calm weather, with a sandy bottom and a depth of approximately 10 ft (3 m). Local charters and facilities are available for dive support.