Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: THOUSAND ISLANDER
- Type: Propeller, steel, passenger steamer
- Year Built: 1912
- Builder: Toledo Shipbuilding Company
- Dimensions: Length: 166 ft (50.6 m); Beam: 32 ft (9.75 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3.05 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 355 GRT
- Location: Midlake off Thunder Bay, Michigan
- Official Number: C141756 (originally US#209906)
- Original Owners: Canada Steamship Lines
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The THOUSAND ISLANDER was a steel-hulled passenger steamer designed for inland waters, specifically the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River region. Built in 1912 during a period of expanding passenger services on the Great Lakes, she likely served as a ferry or excursion vessel, catering to both tourists and local transportation routes. Constructed by the Toledo Shipbuilding Company—a well-known builder of durable steel vessels—the THOUSAND ISLANDER represented early 20th-century innovations in passenger ship design. At 166 feet long with a beam of 32 feet, she was a medium-sized steamer suitable for navigating the busy waterways of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
She had a steel hull, offering greater durability compared to the wooden vessels still common in the early 1900s. Powered by a steam engine driving a single propeller, she was capable of efficient travel over long distances, transporting passengers comfortably.
In 1915, just three years after her construction, she was sold to Canadian interests and re-registered in Montreal, Quebec. By this time, she was owned by Canada Steamship Lines, one of the dominant shipping companies on the Great Lakes.
Description
The THOUSAND ISLANDER served in passenger operations along the Great Lakes, possibly including ferry routes, local excursions, or service within the Thousand Islands region, which inspired her name. The early 20th century saw a surge in regional tourism, with many steamers like her catering to the growing demand for lake travel.
While specific details of her service history are limited, vessels of her type were often employed seasonally, carrying passengers between ports in Ontario, Quebec, New York, and the upper Great Lakes.
By 1928, the THOUSAND ISLANDER required significant repairs and was laid up in Port Huron, Michigan. Arrangements were made to tow her to Collingwood, Ontario, where she was scheduled for drydock maintenance.
History
On November 21, 1928, the THOUSAND ISLANDER was being towed upbound by the propeller COLLINGWOOD across Lake Huron, en route from Port Huron to Collingwood for repairs. She was empty of cargo and passengers, with minimal crew on board to manage the tow.
As they crossed Thunder Bay, a sudden severe storm developed, bringing high winds and heavy waves. The tow cable snapped under the strain of the rough conditions, leaving the THOUSAND ISLANDER adrift in open water.
Without the power to maneuver or hold position, the vessel took on water rapidly. Despite the efforts of her crew and the COLLINGWOOD to re-establish the tow, she sank quickly into the depths of Lake Huron.
Fortunately, no lives were lost. The crew managed to evacuate safely, likely rescued by the COLLINGWOOD before the THOUSAND ISLANDER went down.
Significant Incidents
- Declared a Total Loss: 1928
- Cause of Loss: Broke towline during a storm and foundered
- Current Status: Wreck likely located in deep waters off Thunder Bay, Michigan
- Potential Dive Site: Unconfirmed wreck; may be in depths exceeding 100 ft (30 m), posing challenges for divers
- Status: Wreck not officially located or identified in modern records
- Approximate Location: Midlake off Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
- Potential Dive Conditions: Strong currents, cold water, and varying visibility
Final Disposition
The loss of the THOUSAND ISLANDER highlights the persistent dangers of Great Lakes navigation, even for vessels not under their own power. Despite advancements in steel hull construction and steam power, the unpredictable weather of Lake Huron remained a formidable threat.
While the vessel’s wreck site has yet to be definitively located, it may rest in the cold, deep waters off Thunder Bay, an area rich in shipwreck history. Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of even the most modern ships in the face of nature’s power, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Mariners should exercise caution in Thunder Bay, known for sudden storms and unpredictable conditions. The wreck site is likely located in deep waters, making it a challenging dive site.
Resources & Links
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As divers, remember to respect the underwater environment and adhere to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories’. The THOUSAND ISLANDER serves as a poignant reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
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