Vienna – Lake Superior Steamer Shipwreck (1892)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: SS Vienna
• Type: Wooden propeller steamship
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: 191 ft × 34 ft × 14 ft (58.2 m × 10.4 m × 4.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,006 gross / 829 net tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 44.2 m / 145 ft
• Location: Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, Michigan, USA
• Coordinates: Within Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve (precise location not disclosed)
• Official Number: 25875
• Original Owners: Cleveland Navigation Company
• Number of Masts: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

SS Vienna was a single-deck wooden-hulled steamship fitted with a triple-expansion steam engine. Designed for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber across the Great Lakes, she featured robust construction and was typical of early Great Lakes freighters before the widespread adoption of steel hulls.

Description

SS Vienna was a single-deck wooden-hulled steamship fitted with a triple-expansion steam engine. Designed for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber across the Great Lakes, she featured robust construction and was typical of early Great Lakes freighters before the widespread adoption of steel hulls.

History

Built in 1873 by Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Cleveland Navigation Company, SS Vienna operated throughout the upper lakes. A minor collision in 1876 did not hinder her service; she was repaired and continued to operate reliably. In 1888, she received significant mechanical upgrades, including a new engine.

On 16 September 1892, while towing the barge Mattie C. Bell through fog in Whitefish Bay, the Vienna was struck broadside by the wooden steamer Nipigon. The impact caused catastrophic damage to her starboard side. Although Nipigon attempted to tow her to safety, Vienna foundered and sank. All crew escaped without loss of life.

Significant Incidents

• Minor collision in 1876, repaired and continued service.
• Collision with the steamer Nipigon on 16 September 1892, resulting in sinking.

Final Disposition

The Vienna was declared a total loss following the collision. She came to rest upright in 145 ft of water. No salvage was undertaken. Her cargo, if any, is undocumented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site has been known since shortly after sinking. It was later documented by recreational and archaeological divers and included in the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve. The site is protected under Michigan’s underwater preserve laws. Divers should observe all artifact protection rules. No active navigation hazards reported. Conditions may include strong thermoclines.

Resources & Links

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Access to the wreck is by boat only, with excellent visibility and cold temperatures. Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories. Remember to leave the site better than you found it by removing any garbage.