Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rappahannock
- Type: Steam Screw Wooden Freighter
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 308 ft (93.9 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 2,380 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 26 m / 85 ft
- Location: Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: 48° 48.77′ N, 86° 57.78′ W
- Original Owners: Captain James Davidson's fleet
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Rappahannock was a wooden-hulled steam screw freighter built in 1895 in West Bay City, Michigan. At 308 feet in length, this vessel was one of the larger wooden freighters of its time, designed to carry heavy cargoes across the Great Lakes. The freighter was powered by steam and belonged to Captain James Davidson’s fleet, renowned for operating large wooden vessels during the steel ship era.
Description
Launched in 1895, the Rappahannock served as a reliable freighter, primarily transporting bulk goods such as coal across the Great Lakes.
History
The Final Voyage: On July 25, 1911, the Rappahannock departed from Ashtabula, Ohio, bound for Duluth, Minnesota, loaded with coal. While crossing Lake Superior, the ship encountered a violent storm with 70-mile-per-hour winds. The rough weather caused the ship to develop a significant leak. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the inflow, the situation became untenable. Captain W.A. Rattray directed the ship towards Jackfish Harbor in hopes of finding refuge, but the vessel was unable to hold out and grounded on Jackfish Point in 18 feet (5.5 meters) of water.
Evacuation and Sinking: All 18 crew members safely disembarked before the Rappahannock slid off the point and sank to its final resting place at 85 feet (26 meters). During the same storm, the barge Montezuma, which the Rappahannock had been towing, broke free but was later found safely anchored.
Loss Summary: While no lives were lost, the ship and its cargo were declared a total loss. The event highlights the perils of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, particularly during the unpredictable storms of summer.
Significant Incidents
- No active advisories are related to the Rappahannock.
- The wreck is wooden and has been submerged for over a century, leading to structural deterioration. Divers should exercise care while exploring the site.
Final Disposition
The Rappahannock now lies at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters) near Jackfish Bay. Abandoned after sinking, the wreck remains a significant part of Lake Superior’s underwater heritage.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Rappahannock is largely intact but shows signs of natural deterioration due to its wooden construction. It lies at a moderate depth, making it accessible to divers with intermediate experience. The wreck’s wooden structure may include features such as the hull, deck components, and machinery remnants.
Resources & Links
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The Rappahannock stands as a poignant example of the challenges faced by wooden freighters on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Its sinking, driven by the harsh forces of nature, underscores the bravery and resilience of the mariners who operated these vessels. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a unique diving site, offering a tangible connection to the Great Lakes’ storied maritime past.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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