Majestic – Lake Erie Steamer Shipwreck (1907)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: MAJESTIC
• Type: Propeller Steamer
• Year Built: 1889
• Builder: N. Ketchum et al of Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 291 ft (89 m); Beam: 40 ft (12.2 m); Depth of hold: 81.1 ft (24.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,609.50 tons (net); 1,985.82 tons (gross)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 55 ft
• Location: Port Burwell, Ontario
• Coordinates: 42° 22.471′ N, 80° 25.108′ W
• Official Number: 92116
• Original Owners: N. Ketchum et al of Toledo, Ohio; later Detroit, Michigan
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The MAJESTIC was a large propeller-driven steamer constructed for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes.

Description

The MAJESTIC featured a wooden hull, two decks, three masts, a round stern, and a plain head design. Its design and capacity reflected its primary use in bulk freight transport.

History

Construction & Early Ownership: Enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, on August 16, 1889, the vessel initially served under N. Ketchum et al of Toledo, Ohio. Ownership transitioned to N. Ketchum et al of Toledo, Ohio of Detroit, Michigan, in 1890.

Significant Incidents

• 1890: Ran aground in the St. Mary’s River but was successfully refloated.
• Mid-1890s: Lost its rudder near Whitefish Point and sustained damage from collisions with steamers Manola and America.
• October 1892: Collided with yacht Gassoon and a floating machine shop.
• November 1892: Went aground at Buffalo Harbor, blocking the entrance before being freed.
• April 1894: Collided with the schooner Theodore Voges In the St. Clair River, resulting in the death of one crew member from the schooner.

Final Disposition

The MAJESTIC was completely destroyed by fire. It rests at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters) near Port Burwell, Ontario. The wreck site is accessible to divers and has become a significant site for exploring maritime history in Lake Erie.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Depth: 55 feet (18 meters), suitable for recreational divers with moderate experience.
• Visibility: Conditions vary depending on lake currents and weather.
• Structure: The wreckage is fragmented due to fire damage, but sections of the hull and machinery are still visible.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”majestic-us-92116″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The MAJESTIC serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Despite its storied history and multiple incidents, the vessel’s ultimate fate was sealed by a devastating fire. Today, the wreck offers a valuable glimpse into the past for historians and divers alike.