Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W.H. Ritchie
- Type: Wooden Steamer
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: D. Robertson
- Dimensions: 161.2 ft (49.1 m) × 30.4 ft × 10.7 ft depth
- Registered Tonnage: 447 gt / 342 nt
- Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Official Number: U.S. 115729; Canadian C130432
- Original Owners: F.W. Gilchrist, J.S. Dunham, Gilchrist Lumber Co., Merida Steamship Co., Grant Horne, Davidson Grain Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steamer built in 1880, primarily used for cargo transport across Great Lakes ports.
Description
The W.H. Ritchie was a wooden steamer constructed in Grand Haven, Michigan, featuring a steeple-compound engine that was rebuilt in 1889. It was registered under U.S. number 115729 and later under Canadian registry C130432 after its renaming in 1912.
History
The vessel had a varied ownership history, including F.W. Gilchrist and the Gilchrist Lumber Co. It was later owned by the Merida Steamship Co. and transferred to Canadian registry in 1912. The ship was involved in cargo routes throughout the Great Lakes during its operational years.
Significant Incidents
- 1880: Launched and began service.
- 1889: Engine rebuilt by S.F. Hodge in Detroit.
- 1912: Renamed W.H. Ritchie upon Canadian registry transfer.
- 1921: Burned on September 28 at Fort William, marking the end of its service.
Final Disposition
The W.H. Ritchie was destroyed by fire in 1921, and its remains now lie within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, recognized for its historical significance.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located within the Canadian side of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and is documented through NOAA site surveys. It is recognized as part of the sanctuary’s steam-era site themes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-h-ritchie-c-130432-ritchie-us-115729″ title=”References & Links”]
The W.H. Ritchie serves as a significant heritage site for divers, offering insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the evolution of steam-powered vessels.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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