IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • • Vessel Name: City of Grand Rapids
  • • Vessel Type: Propeller Ship
  • • Builder: Duncan Robertson, Grand Haven, Michigan
  • • Year Built: 1879

Dimensions:

  • • Length: 125.6 feet (38.3 m)
  • • Beam: 26.4 feet (8.0 m)
  • • Depth: 9.3 feet (2.8 m)

Tonnage:

  • • Gross: 399 tons
  • • Net: 300 tons

• Hull Material: Wood

• Final Location: Big Tub Harbour, Tobermory, Lake Huron

• Depth: 15 feet (5 m) of water

• Condition: Intact wreck, accessible for divers

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The City of Grand Rapids was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven ship, designed to transport passengers and package freight. It was equipped with a single high-pressure steam engine, producing 350 horsepower, and driven by a Screw Propulsion system. Its robust two-Deck design allowed for versatility in passenger comfort and freight capacity, making it a vital vessel for its owners and routes.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Career

Built in 1879, the City of Grand Rapids began its service under Hannah, Lay & Co. of Traverse City, Michigan. Initially deployed on various Great Lakes routes, the vessel connected cities like Traverse City, St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette, St. Joseph, and Chicago. It became a dependable Steamer in the bustling Great Lakes shipping and passenger trade.

Incidents and Modifications

The vessel encountered several incidents during its operational life:

• In 1890, it ran aground on Waugoshance Reef.

• In 1897, it ran ashore on Mackinac Island, necessitating repairs.

In 1904, significant modifications were made to the vessel:

• Replacement of the high-pressure engine with a low-pressure one.

• Installation of a new boiler to modernize and extend its operational life.

Final Voyage and Loss

In May 1907, the ship was sold to Gillies & Rutherford of Tobermory, Ontario. On October 29, 1907, tragedy struck while the vessel was docked in Tobermory. A fire of unknown origin engulfed the ship. Despite the crew’s safe escape and no loss of life, the City of Grand Rapids was destroyed. The burning vessel drifted free and eventually sank in Big Tub Harbour, where it remains to this day.

FINAL DISPOSITION

  • • Date of Loss: October 29, 1907
  • • Cause: Fire (cause unknown)
  • • Current Condition: The wreck lies in Big Tub Harbour, remarkably well-preserved, and is a popular site for divers due to its shallow depth and accessible location.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

  • • The City of Grand Rapids is a protected wreck site in Big Tub Harbour, and divers are encouraged to respect its historical significance.
  • • The shallow waters (15 feet / 5 m) make the wreck accessible to divers of all skill levels, but caution is advised due to possible Visibility and water current variations.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the City of Grand Rapids was identified shortly after its sinking in 1907, and its presence has since been documented as an important part of Tobermory’s maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

3D Model City of Grand Rapids

City of Grand Rapids by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the City of Grand Rapids is a testament to the dynamic and sometimes perilous history of Great Lakes shipping. From its beginnings as a passenger and freight Steamer to its fiery demise in Tobermory, the vessel played an integral role in connecting communities and supporting trade in the region. Today, it rests in Big Tub Harbour, inviting divers and historians to explore its story and its contribution to maritime heritage.

Keywords: City of Grand Rapids, Lake Huron wrecks, Tobermory shipwrecks, Big Tub Harbour, Great Lakes maritime history, wooden propeller ship, Hannah Lay & Co, shipwreck diving sites.