Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Thomas Quayle
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Quayle & Martin
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Ontonagon, Michigan
- Original Owners: Cleveland-based interests
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
Description
Thomas Quayle was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer built in 1867, primarily engaged in freight and towing operations on the Upper Great Lakes. At the time of her loss, she was captained by Washington Moore.
History
The vessel was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, likely by Quayle & Martin. She served the shipping needs of the region until her catastrophic loss in 1885.
Significant Incidents
- October 28, 1885: A fire erupted near her boilers while she was moored at the Government Pier in Ontonagon, Michigan. The fire quickly consumed the vessel, leading to her sinking at the dock.
Final Disposition
After the fire, the machinery of the Thomas Quayle was salvaged in 1887 and installed in a replacement vessel built at Algonac. The wooden hull remained submerged at the pier location, subject to degradation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Thomas Quayle is submerged and has not been fully explored. The site may offer opportunities for archaeological investigation, particularly through side-scan sonar surveys.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”thomas-quayle-1867″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Thomas Quayle serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by early wooden steamers, particularly regarding onboard fires. Her story highlights the importance of machinery salvage in 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.
Propeller Steamer Thomas Quayle (built 1867 – lost October 28, 1885)
Identification & Build
- Name: Thomas Quayle
- Built: 1867 in Cleveland, OH (likely by Quayle & Martin)
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Purpose: Active in freight and towing operations on the Upper Great Lakes
- Owner: Cleveland-based interests
- Captain: Washington Moore at time of loss (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Facebook)
Final Voyage & Catastrophe – October 28, 1885
- Voyage: Departed with barges Zach Chandler, Commodore, and Peck, bound for Duluth
- Port of Call: Stopped and moored at the Government Pier in Ontonagon, Michigan
- Incident: A fire erupted near her boilers while tied up alongside the pier (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Outcome: Quickly burned to the waterline and sank at the dock
- Casualties: None reported in contemporary records
Aftermath & Salvage
- Machinery Recovery: Her engine and related machinery were salvaged in 1887 and installed in a replacement vessel built at Algonac that same year (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- The wooden hull remained submerged at the pier location, exposed to degradation and eventual clearing
- Operational disruption was notable during her destruction
Historical Significance
- Exemplifies the vulnerability of early wooden steamers to onboard fires, especially boiler-room incidents
- Highlights the practice of machinery reuse—valuable engines were salvaged and reused even as hulls perished
- Burn at a government pier demonstrates urban harbor risks; records at Ontonagon port might reflect regulatory changes post-loss
Research & Exploration Opportunities
| Objective | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Archival Newspaper Coverage | Review Ontonagon Herald and regional newspapers (Oct–Nov 1885) for fire reporting, damage descriptions, insurance claims |
| Harbor & Government Records | Consult local pier commission or U.S. lighthouse/harbor logs for fire and wreck documentation |
| Machinery Tracking | Investigate Algonac shipyard records (1887) for machinery installation and subsequent vessel service |
| Wreck-Site Survey | Conduct side-scan sonar survey at the Ontonagon government pier to locate submerged hull remains |
Summary Profile
- Name: Thomas Quayle
- Built: 1867, Cleveland, OH
- Lost: Oct 28, 1885 – boiler-area fire ablaze while docked at Ontonagon pier
- Crew: No casualties reported
- Machinery: Reused in 1887 replacement hull
- Significance: Illustrates wooden steamer fire risk and value of mechanical salvage