Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rome
- Type: Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1879
- Builder: T. Quayle & Sons, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: 265 ft (80.8 m) length × 37 ft (11.3 m) beam × 16 ft (4.9 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 2044 gross tons, 1164 net tons
- Location: Lime Island coal dock, St. Mary’s River, near Raber, Michigan
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Rome was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freighter, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These ships were designed to transport bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1879 by T. Quayle & Sons in Cleveland, Ohio, the Rome measured 265 feet (80.8 meters) in length, with a beam of 37 feet (11.3 meters) and a depth of 16 feet (4.9 meters). The vessel had a gross tonnage of 2044 and a net tonnage of 1164. As a bulk freighter, it was built to carry large quantities of cargo efficiently across the Great Lakes.
History
On November 17, 1909, the Rome was moored at the Lime Island coal dock on the St. Mary’s River, awaiting the resolution of a traffic jam at the Soo Locks. While lying at the dock, the vessel caught fire under circumstances not detailed in the available sources. The fire quickly engulfed the ship, leading to its total destruction. The dock and a nearby pile of lumber were also consumed by the flames. Fortunately, all crew members survived the incident.
Significant Incidents
- November 17, 1909: The Rome caught fire while moored at Lime Island coal dock, resulting in total loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition
The Rome was declared a total loss following the fire. The remains of the vessel were left at the site and eventually became part of a breakwater structure.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Rome remains at the site of its destruction near Lime Island. The remains are near the surface and have become integrated into the harbor’s breakwater.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rome-1879″ title=”References & Links”]
The destruction of the Rome in 1909 serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly the risks associated with onboard fires. The incident underscores the importance of safety measures and the challenges of emergency response during that era. The remains of the Rome continue to be a part of the maritime landscape, integrated into the harbor’s breakwater near Lime Island.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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