Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Joseph S. Fay
- Type: Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: 215.6 ft (65.7 m); Beam: 33.6 ft (10.2 m); Depth of hold: 14.8 ft (4.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 5.2 m / 17 ft
- Location: Near 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 75315
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Joseph S. Fay was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter, a type of Great Lakes vessel designed to transport large quantities of bulk cargo such as iron ore, grain, or coal.
Description
Built in 1871, the Joseph S. Fay represented the typical design of wooden bulk freighters of the time, optimized for heavy cargo transport. It was powered initially by a single-expansion steam engine, later upgraded to a steeple compound engine to improve efficiency. It operated primarily on the Great Lakes, a critical region for commercial shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
On October 19, 1905, the vessel met its demise during a fierce storm on Lake Huron near 40 Mile Point. While towing a barge, the Fay encountered rough seas and ultimately grounded and broke apart. All crew members were rescued, but the vessel was lost, marking the end of its 34-year career. The storm also caused widespread damage across the region, claiming several other vessels.
Significant Incidents
- October 19, 1905: The Joseph S. Fay sank during a storm while towing a barge.
Final Disposition
The Joseph S. Fay remains in shallow water at 17 ft (5.2 m) in Lake Huron near 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. The site is noted for its accessible depth, making it a popular destination for recreational divers and snorkelers. The surviving portions of the wreck include the ship’s bottom and part of the port side, along with remnants of its machinery.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck has been well-documented due to its historical significance and shallow location, making it easily observable. It is part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which preserves and interprets significant Great Lakes shipwrecks.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”joesph-s-fay-us-75315″ title=”References & Links”]
The site is shallow, with clear visibility under calm conditions, allowing for exploration by divers and snorkelers. As a protected site, visitors are encouraged to respect its historical value and adhere to local preservation guidelines.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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