IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Algoma was a state-of-the-art Great Lakes propeller-driven passenger vessel, designed and built for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. It was one of three identical ships intended for passenger and freight transport between Thunder Bay and Owen Sound. Equipped with a compound steam engine and auxiliary sails, the Algoma featured modern amenities, including electric lighting, which was groundbreaking at the time. The vessel was also notable for its size and speed, which set records on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Algoma began its journey as part of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s fleet of Passenger Vessels, alongside its sister ships Athabasca and Alberta. Constructed in Glasgow, the vessels were split in two for passage through the Welland Canal and reassembled in Buffalo, New York. This ingenious engineering feat underscored the importance of these ships in connecting Ontario and western Canada via the Great Lakes.

Key Milestones:

  • May 11, 1884: Relaunched after cabin expansions and electrification.
  • 1884-1885: Established speed records on Great Lakes routes, including the run from Toronto to Thunder Bay in 47 hours.
  • July 1884: The sister ship Alberta was involved in a collision, raising concerns about the prioritization of speed over safety.

Final Voyage:

On November 5, 1885, the Algoma embarked on a journey from Owen Sound to Thunder Bay with reduced passenger numbers and cargo. The late-season trip was challenging, with winter storms already threatening the Great Lakes. On November 7, the vessel encountered a blinding snowstorm, leading to a tragic grounding on the southeast shore of Mott Island in Lake Superior’s Isle Royale.

The ship broke in two: the Stern grounded while the bow drifted away. Of the 60 individuals on board, only 14 survived, with 46 passengers and crew lost, including the captain. The incident was one of the deadliest on Lake Superior, illustrating the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Algoma was salvaged in part, with its machinery transferred to another vessel, the Manitoba, in 1889. However, much of the ship was lost to the storm and subsequent breakup. Bodies and debris continued to surface months after the disaster, bearing testament to the tragedy.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Algoma wreck site. The area around Isle Royale, including Mott Island, remains popular among divers, but caution is advised due to potential hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The location of the Algoma wreck has been known since the disaster in 1885. The remains of the ship lie near Mott Island, Isle Royale, a site accessible to experienced divers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck site is submerged near Mott Island in Isle Royale, Lake Superior. While some parts of the vessel may remain intact, time and environmental conditions have likely taken their toll. The site is significant for its historical value and serves as a sobering reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS

CONCLUSION

The Algoma stands as a landmark in Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing both the technological advancements of the late 19th century and the dangers inherent in navigating these vast inland seas. Its tragic wreck in 1885 marked the end of a short but impactful career, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and loss. Today, the story of the Algoma serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and challenges faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS Algoma propeller ship, Lake Superior shipwreck, Mott Island wreck, Great Lakes maritime history, Canadian Pacific Railway ships, 1885 Great Lakes disaster, Isle Royale shipwrecks.