Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Joseph S. Fay
- Type: Steamer
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Rogers City, Michigan
- Coordinates: Approx. 45°25.4'N 83°48.8'W
- Original Owners: Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Joseph S. Fay was a wooden-hulled steam freighter, designed to carry bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and iron ore. Built in 1871, the Fay was a substantial vessel for its time, playing a crucial role in the shipping industry on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Joseph S. Fay was an essential part of the Great Lakes’ shipping fleet, transporting goods between ports. However, on October 19, 1905, the vessel ran aground near Rogers City, Michigan, during a storm. The ship was heavily battered by waves, which broke it into pieces.
The ship’s mate, Joseph Syze, tragically drowned during the incident. The remaining crew members managed to reach safety. The wreckage of the Fay is scattered across the shoreline, and remnants of the ship can still be found on the beaches near Rogers City.
History
The Joseph S. Fay was declared a total loss after the wreck. The remains of the vessel are spread out along the shore, with some parts visible above the waterline during low water conditions.
Significant Incidents
- The ship ran aground during a storm on October 19, 1905.
- Joseph Syze, the ship’s mate, drowned in the incident.
- Remaining crew members reached safety.
Final Disposition
The Joseph S. Fay was declared a total loss after the wreck. The remains of the vessel are spread out along the shore, with some parts visible above the waterline during low water conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreckage of the Joseph S. Fay is scattered along the shoreline near Rogers City, Michigan. Some remnants are visible above the waterline during low water conditions, making it accessible for divers and local residents.
Resources & Links
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The stories of the Frank Perry, Joseph S. Fay, and D.P. Rhodes highlight the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These shipwrecks serve as reminders of the harsh conditions and unpredictable weather that have claimed countless ships and lives over the years.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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