Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: P.J. Ralph
- Type: Wooden steam barge
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: A. Anderson, Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 211 ft × 37 ft × 14 ft; 695 GRT, 659 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 695 GRT, 659 NRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12.19 m / 40 ft
- Location: 0.5 mi north of South Manitou Island Coast Guard Station
- Official Number: 150460
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Wooden steam barge, originally built as a gas yacht in 1904 and later converted.
Description
The P.J. Ralph was a wooden steam barge built in 1889, measuring 211 feet in length and 37 feet in beam. It had a gross registered tonnage of 695 and a net registered tonnage of 659. The vessel was primarily used for carrying lumber and pulpwood and was often chartered for heavy bulk cargo operations.
History
The P.J. Ralph was constructed by A. Anderson in Marine City, Michigan. Throughout its service, it adapted from a gas yacht to a working barge, reflecting the resourceful nature of industries in the early 20th century. The vessel was involved in transporting heavy cargo until its loss in 1924.
Significant Incidents
- On September 8, 1924, while sheltering in a gale off South Manitou Island, the P.J. Ralph dragged anchor and was driven ashore before the crew could regain control. All crew members survived the incident.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the P.J. Ralph now lies approximately 0.5 miles north of the South Manitou Island Coast Guard Station, in depths ranging from 16 to 40 feet. The boiler is located at approximately 40 feet, while machinery and hull fragments are found at shallower depths. Some wood debris was dynamited to remove the pulpwood cargo after the loss. The site is now a popular dive location within the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is well-preserved and serves as an excellent site for research and educational diving. It provides valuable insights into barge design, anchoring practices, and storm response during the early 20th century.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”p-j-ralph-us-160460″ title=”References & Links”]
The P.J. Ralph is a significant wreck that offers divers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its well-preserved condition and historical context make it an ideal site for archaeological surveys and educational opportunities.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Steamer‑Barge P.J. Ralph (built 1889 – lost September 8, 1924)
Identification & Build
- Name: P.J. Ralph
- Official No.: 150460
- Type: Wooden steam barge (originally built as gas yacht in 1904, converted)
- Built: 1889 by A. Anderson, Marine City, Michigan
- Size: 211 ft × 37 ft × 14 ft; 695 GRT, 659 NRT
- Trade: Carried lumber/pulpwood, often chartered for heavy bulk cargo operations (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Loss – September 8, 1924
- While sheltering in a gale off South Manitou Island, P.J. Ralph anchored overnight. In the early hours, she dragged anchor, slipped into open water, and was driven ashore before the crew could regain steerage or steam up (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- Crew: All survived — none lost (Wikipedia).
Wreck Condition & Site
- The wreck rests approximately 0.5 mi north of the South Manitou Island Coast Guard Station, between 16 and 40 ft of water (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files):
- Boiler resides in ~40 ft depth
- Machinery and hull fragments lie around 16 ft depth
Some wood debris was dynamited to remove pulpwood cargo post-loss (National Park Service).
- The site is now a popular dive location in the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve (michiganpreserves.org).
Historical & Archaeological Significance
- Serves as an example of wooden bulk-cargo barges struggling for survival in early 20th-century Great Lakes gales.
- The conversion from yacht to working barge reflects usage adaptation typical in resource-rich industries.
- Its dive-friendly wreckage—complete with identifiable machinery—provides valuable insight into barge design, anchoring practices, and storm response.
Research & Dive Opportunities
| Objective | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Archaeological Dive Survey | High visibility makes this site ideal for documenting engine layout, hull framing, and cargo storage areas. |
| Archival Research | Check Coast Guard, tug, and shipping records (Sept 1924) for logbooks, storm reports, and anchor drag specifics. |
| Visual Mapping & 3D Modeling | Drone mapping and ROV dives can support a 3D site reconstruction useful for preservation and educational use. |
| Preservation Monitoring | Collaborate with underwater preserve managers to assess ongoing degradation and site condition. |
Summary
- Name: P.J. Ralph
- Built: 1889, Marine City, MI; steam barge of 695 GRT
- Lost: Sep 8, 1924 — dragged anchor in gale, grounded off South Manitou Island; no casualties
- Wreck: Located in 16–40 ft water; boiler and machinery intact; wood removed
- Significance: A well-preserved wreck in Manitou Passage Preserve; excellent for research, documentation, and educational diving