Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Philip
- Type: Wooden propeller ferry
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: Grand Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: 59 ft (18 m) X 22 ft (6.7 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 54 gross tons, 37 net tons
- Location: Detour, Michigan
- Official Number: 155238
- Original Owners: Joseph P. Krol, Detour, Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Philip was a wooden propeller ferry designed to carry passengers and possibly light cargo. It operated primarily on the Drummond Island–Detour route.
Description
Built in 1893, the Philip measured 59 feet in length and 22 feet in beam, with a registered tonnage of 54 gross tons and 37 net tons. The ferry was a vital link for transportation in the region.
History
The Philip served the Drummond Island–Detour route for approximately 40 years, providing essential ferry services for passengers and light cargo. Owned by Joseph P. Krol, it was a familiar sight in the area.
Significant Incidents
- On March 20, 1933, while moored at Detour, the ferry Philip caught fire and burned to a total loss, with the hull destroyed down to the waterline.
- No casualties were reported during the incident.
- The fire occurred while the vessel was being prepared for passenger service between Port Stanley and Cleveland.
- The hull was later removed after being struck by other vessels.
Final Disposition
The Philip was completely lost due to the fire, and although the hull was removed, further investigation could provide insights into its service history and final fate.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the exact location of the hull remains is uncertain. Investigations into local harbor logs and other archival sources may shed light on its final disposition.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”philip-us-155238″ title=”References & Links”]
The Philip was a significant ferry in the Drummond Island area until its destruction by fire in March 1933. While the incident resulted in no injuries, the loss of the vessel marks an important chapter in local maritime history.
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.
Identification & Operation
- Name: Philip (also appears as Phillip)
- Official Number: 155238
- Type: Wooden propeller ferry, 59 × 22 × 7 ft, 54 gross tons, 37 net tons
- Built: 1893 in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Service: Carried passengers and possibly light cargo for Drummond Island–Detour route
- Ownership: Joseph P. Krol, Detour, Michigan
Final Incident & Loss (March 20, 1933)
- On March 20, 1933, while moored at Detour, the ferry Philip caught fire and burned to a total loss—the hull was destroyed down to the waterline
- No casualties were reported
- The fire occurred while she was being prepared to run passenger service between Port Stanley and Cleveland; the hull was later removed after being struck by other vessels
Archival Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (“P” list): Confirms build details, owner, cause, date, and circumstances of the fire
(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, texascourthistory.org)
Research Gaps & Next Steps
| Area | Suggested Investigation |
|---|---|
| Exact hull remains/location | Consult St. Marys River or Detour harbor logs for hull disposal details |
| Passenger operations/history | Check Port Stanley–Cleveland ferry permit logs and Route filings to clarify intended service |
| Fire origin & response | Review Detour News or Sault Ste. Marie Evening News (March 1933) for fire cause, fire dept response, and dock impact |
| Insurance/legal documents | Search local insurers or court filings for damage claims involving Joseph Krol |
| Replacement vessel | Investigate archives on “Drummond Island arms” ferry service—post-1924 vessels that replaced the Philip |
Conclusion
The Philip was a Drummond Island ferry operating for ~40 years before being destroyed by fire in March 1933 under the ownership of Joseph P. Krol. The incident resulted in no injuries, but the vessel was completely lost. Though the hull was removed, further investigation could illuminate her service role and final fate.
- Locate and transcribe local newspaper accounts of the fire?
- Research ferry service routes and permits tied to the Philip?
- Model a search request for insurance or municipal log files?