M. C. Neff (1888)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: M.C. Neff
• Type: Wood-hulled bulk carrier (tug-barge style)
• Year Built: 1888
• Builder: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
• Dimensions: Approximately 137 ft (41.76 m) long × 29 ft (8.84 m) beam × 10 ft (3.05 m) depth
• Registered Tonnage: 276 gross / 211 net tons
• Location: St. Louis River, Lake Superior, just south of the Interstate Transfer railroad bridge near Duluth
• Coordinates: Approximately 500 ft south of the Interstate Transfer RR bridge, 50 ft offshore
• Original Owners: Thompson & Lavaque Lumber Co. of Duluth

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wood-hulled bulk carrier designed in a tug-barge style, primarily used for transporting timber and other bulk materials.

Description

The M.C. Neff was a wooden bulk carrier built in 1888, measuring approximately 137 feet in length, with a beam of 29 feet and a depth of 10 feet. It had a registered tonnage of 276 gross tons and 211 net tons. The vessel was owned by the Thompson & Lavaque Lumber Company based in Duluth, Minnesota.

History

The M.C. Neff was primarily used for transporting timber, specifically pilings for bridge projects. On September 20, 1909, after completing unloading operations on the Wisconsin bank of the St. Louis River, a fire broke out within the vessel’s hull. The fire escalated quickly and could not be contained, leading to the vessel burning down to the waterline and subsequently sinking at its dock.

Significant Incidents

• September 20, 1909: A fire ignited in the vessel’s interior shortly after unloading, resulting in the vessel burning down to the waterline and sinking.
• No loss of life was reported during the incident.

Final Disposition

The M.C. Neff burned completely and sank at her mooring in the St. Louis River. While some machinery was salvaged, the hull was lost. The wreck reportedly lies approximately 50 feet off the east shore, about 500 feet south of the Interstate Transfer railroad bridge.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No extensive modern archaeological or dive surveys have been documented for the M.C. Neff. Some machinery salvage occurred shortly after the fire, and the hull was visible or semi-submerged in shallow water for a time, though it has likely deteriorated or been removed over the years.

Resources & Links

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The M.C. Neff serves as a historical example of the risks associated with dockside fires and has seen limited archaeological tracking since its loss. Further exploration of local archives or a modern survey may yield additional insights into its history and condition.