Michipicoten – Lake Huron Steamer Shipwreck (1927)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: E.K. Roberts
• Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel
• Year Built: 1883
• Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Co., Detroit, Michigan
• Dimensions: 117 ft (35.7 m) X 24.8 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold: 10.7 ft (3.26 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 264.90; Net Tonnage: 189.75
• Depth at Wreck Site: 7.6 m / 25 ft
• Location: North Channel, near Cook’s Dock, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
• Official Number: C 94843
• Original Owners: C.W. Gauthier, Butler & Co., T.M. Kirkwood & D.L. McKinnon, Stephen Reeves, Joseph Ganley, North American Bent Chair Co.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel

Description

The E.K. Roberts was constructed in 1883 as a versatile wooden-hulled propeller vessel with two decks. Originally owned by the Detroit & Duck Island Transportation Co., the vessel served as a passenger and freight carrier, specializing in the fish trade.

History

Ownership and Name Changes: Over its operational life, the vessel underwent several ownership and name changes:

• City of Windsor: Operated under this name during its passenger service era.
• Michipicoten: Later renamed for freight transport.
• Ownership Transfers: Owners included C.W. Gauthier, Butler & Co., T.M. Kirkwood & D.L. McKinnon, Stephen Reeves, Joseph Ganley, and the North American Bent Chair Co.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage (October 10, 1927):

• Cargo: Flour and building materials.
• Incident: While docked at Cook’s Dock, a fire broke out aboard the vessel. To prevent the fire from spreading, the vessel was pushed away from the dock but ultimately sank near the opposite shore in shallow water.
• Outcome: The vessel burned and sank to a depth of 25 feet.

Final Disposition

The remains lie in 25 feet (7.6 m) of water near Cook’s Dock, making it an accessible site for divers of all skill levels. The wooden hull and components of the engine and boilers may still be visible, though heavily deteriorated.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Visibility: Conditions in the North Channel can vary, but shallow depth improves accessibility and visibility for exploration.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”michipicoten-c-94843-e-k-roberts-city-of-windsor” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The E.K. Roberts represents a crucial era in Great Lakes transportation history, serving as a passenger vessel and freighter during its long career. Its transition through multiple names and owners reflects the dynamic economic demands of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The fire and subsequent sinking serve as a reminder of the hazards faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes.