Ann Arbor no. 5 | Michigan Shipwreck Research Association

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Ann Arbor No. 5 (Registry U.S. 208261; Hull #118)
• Builder: Toledo Shipbuilding Co., Toledo, Ohio
• Launched: November 26, 1910 (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• Dimensions: 360 ft LOA × 56.3 ft beam × 18.9 ft Draft; 2,884 GT (later remeasured to 2,988 GT, 2,032 NT) (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• Engines: Twin triple-expansion steam engines (21”+33”+52” cylinders, 40” stroke), 3,000 IHP; powered by four Scotch boilers (13′6″ × 12′, 185 psi) (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• Registry Port: Toledo, Ohio (enrolled December 28, 1910) (greatlakesvesselhistory.com)
• Notable Design: First lake Ferry featuring a Stern sea gate; four tracks carrying up to 30 rail cars (michiganshipwrecks.org)

Vessel Type & Description

• Type: Steel-hulled railcar Ferry (twin-screw cross-lake)
• Configuration: One continuous rail Deck with Stern sea gate; central superstructure; coal-fired steam propulsion later converted to oil (1964) (greatlakesvesselhistory.com, michiganrailroads.com)

Operational History

• 1910–1966: Operated by Ann Arbor Railroad on Lake Michigan routes (Frankfort, Elberta, Manitowoc, etc.) (michiganrailroads.com)
• Converted to oil in 1964 (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• Sold in 1966 to Bulk Food Carriers (San Francisco) via U.S. Maritime Commission trade-in (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• 1967: Acquired by Bultema Dredge & Dock Co., cut down for use as temporary Breakwater at Palisades Nuclear Plant near South Haven, Michigan (1967–1969) (michiganshipwrecks.org)

Final Disposition & Wreck Details

• Winter 1969–1970: Breakwater structure began to fail during severe storms; forward section scrapped, while the aft ~150 ft was towed—but sank ~4–8 miles offshore at ~160 ft depth after pumps failed (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• Site Location: Approx. N 42° 22.760′, W 86° 27.427′, ~160 ft deep, WSW of South Haven harbor (michiganshipwrecks.org)
• Discovery: Wreck located in 2005 via Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) with side-scan sonar and dive investigations (Wikipedia)

Wreck Condition & Documentation

• Condition: Intact Stern section resting upright in deep water, partly embedded; technical dives possible but deep (~50 m).
• Documentation: MSRA identified the wreck as “Ann Arbor No. 5” and notified the Coast Guard; survey data confirms site integrity (Wikipedia)
• Hazards: Depth and currents limit recreational diving to advanced technical operations; navigation buoys or hazard markers not currently installed.

Archival Records & Research

• University of Detroit Mercy – Dowling Marine Collection: Full engine specs, tonnage, registry records (libraries.udmercy.edu)
• Great Lakes Vessel Histories: Indexed build and final disposition details (greatlakesvesselhistory.com)
• AmShip Toledo Shipyard History: Notes on scuttling, raising and scrapping timeline (navalmarinearchive.com)

Significance & Research Opportunities

• Technological Landmark: First Ferry with a Stern sea gate, exemplifying early 20th-century rail-to-lake intermodal innovation.
• Preservation Value: Provides insight into industrial lifecycle—from passenger/rail services, fuel Conversion, to heavy infrastructure reuse.
• Future Study:
  • Detailed sonar and ROV survey to map intact Stern, engine room, and structural stability
  • Archival dive logs and survey imagery from MSRA
  • Regulatory review for underwater heritage protection and interpretive signage

Conclusion

Ann Arbor No. 5 stands as a testament to Great Lakes transportation evolution—from large steel car Ferry to utilitarian Breakwater. Its resting place off South Haven offers a deep-water archaeological target with high research value. Archival records and MSRA investigations form a robust foundation—but advanced offshore documentation and conservation efforts are recommended to preserve this industrial heritage site.

Selected References

• Michigan Shipwreck Research Association: discovery, site location & heritage mission (michiganshipwrecks.org, Wikipedia)
• Great Lakes Vessel History: technical specs, registry, disposition (greatlakesvesselhistory.com, libraries.udmercy.edu)
• AmShip Toledo yard records: launch and scuttling timelines (navalmarinearchive.com, shipbuildinghistory.com)