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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”vienna-us-25875″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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.
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.
ACL_OS6_032.jp2 (credit: 3DShipwrecks.org)Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Other Names: —
Official Number: 25875
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steamship
Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
Year Built: 1873
Dimensions: 191 ft × 34 ft × 14 ft (58.2 m × 10.4 m × 4.3 m)
Tonnage: 1,006 gross / 829 net tons
Cargo on Final Voyage: Unknown
Date of Loss: 16 September 1892
Location: Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, Michigan, USA
Coordinates: Within Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve (precise location not disclosed)
Depth: 145 ft (44.2 m)
Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio
Owners: Cleveland Navigation Company
Crew: Unknown
Casualties: 0 (All crew survived)
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.
Final Dispositions
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.
Located By & Date Found
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.
Notmars & Advisories
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.
Dive Information
Access: Boat only
Entry Point: Whitefish Point launches
Conditions: Excellent visibility, strong thermocline, cold temperatures
Depth Range: 120–145 ft (36.6–44.2 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sault Ste. Marie, local sheriff/marine patrol
Permits: Required for collecting, not required for diving
Dive Support: Limited regional charter operations available
Crew & Casualty Memorials
All crew survived. Names may be found in 1892 newspaper reports or Cleveland Navigation Company archives.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“Struck broadside by the Nipigon in dense fog, the Vienna quickly began to founder. The crew escaped without injury.” — Local press, 1892.
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
U.S. registry number 25875. Insured under Cleveland Navigation Company. Enrollment and engine upgrade records likely held in regional maritime archives.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Site plan created by 3DShipwrecks.org. Key features include triple-expansion engine, visible collision damage, intact propeller and rudder. A small wooden boat lies nearby, possibly a lifeboat.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- 3DShipwrecks.org – SS Vienna
- Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
References
- 3DShipwrecks.org: SS Vienna Site Plan
- William Ratigan, Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: —
Official Number: 25875
Coordinates: Approximate, Whitefish Bay Preserve
Depth: 145 ft (44.2 m)
Location Description: Upright on lakebed in Whitefish Bay
Vessel Type: Wooden steam propeller
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 191 ft × 34 ft × 14 ft
Condition: Upright, intact, visible collision site
Cause of Loss: Collision with steamer Nipigon
Discovery Date: Shortly after 1892
Discovered By: Known since sinking; explored later by divers
Method: Dive site survey and sonar
Legal Notes: Under Michigan Underwater Preserve protection
Hazards: Thermocline, cold temperatures
Permits Required: No (unless collecting artifacts)
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