Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: MONKSHAVEN
- Type: Steel Ocean Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: J. Redhead & Sons, South Shields, England
- Dimensions: Length Overall (LOA): 257 ft (78.33 m); Beam: 36 ft (10.97 m); Depth: 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,415 tons
- Location: Pie Island, near Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, Canada
- Coordinates: 43°28'59.4"N 79°36'29.4"W
- Official Number: B86632
- Original Owners: R. Harrowing of Whitby, England; Algoma Central Steamship Company
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The MONKSHAVEN was a robust steel-hulled freighter originally designed for oceanic trade but later repurposed for service in the Great Lakes under Canadian ownership. Built with a single deck and hold beams for bulk cargo like steel rails, the freighter reflected the growing reliance on larger steel vessels for inland waterway transportation during the late 19th century.
Description
The MONKSHAVEN began its life as a cargo freighter in 1882, built for international trade routes. Its initial owner, R. Harrowing of Whitby, England, employed the ship for Atlantic trade. In 1900, the vessel transitioned to Canadian waters under the ownership of the Algoma Central Steamship Company, marking its entry into the bustling Great Lakes maritime network.
History
The freighter operated efficiently until November 27, 1905, when it was caught in a fierce Lake Superior storm while en route from Sault Ste. Marie to Fort William. With steel rails as its cargo, the MONKSHAVEN ran aground on Pie Island, leaving its 21-member crew stranded. Miraculously, all crew members survived after a grueling three days on the island.
Significant Incidents
- November 27, 1905: Grounded on Pie Island during a storm.
- October 10, 1906: Wrecked on Angus Island after breaking free from moorings.
Final Disposition
- Date of Sinking: November 27, 1905 (grounding at Pie Island)
- Date of Total Loss: October 10, 1906 (wrecked at Angus Island)
- Condition: Wreck remnants persist, mostly salvaged
- Scuttled: Port Credit Ontario as Breakwater
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreckage lies scattered at the site, with remnants visible. Its age, repeated attempts at scrapping, and exposure to natural elements have contributed to significant deterioration. While divers occasionally explore the site, conditions and visibility in the Nipigon Strait region may vary.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”monkshaven-b86632″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The MONKSHAVEN exemplifies the perils of Great Lakes navigation, particularly during the unpredictable late fall season. From its origins as an oceanic freighter to its ill-fated tenure on Lake Superior, the ship’s history highlights both the ingenuity of early steel vessel construction and the relentless forces of nature on the Great Lakes. Its partial preservation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the enduring legacy of shipwrecks in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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