Identification & Site Information

  • Name: DOVER (formerly FRANK E. KIRBY, later SILVER SPRAY)
  • Official Number: 120796
  • Date Built and Launched: 1890
  • Measurements: Length: 196 feet (59.7 meters); Beam: 30 feet (9.1 meters); Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters); Gross Tonnage: 533 tons; Net Tonnage: 375 tons
  • Date Lost: June 23, 1932

Vessel Type

Sidewheel steamer, steel-hulled, passenger vessel

Description

The DOVER, originally launched as the FRANK E. KIRBY in 1890 by Detroit Dry Dock in Wyandotte, Michigan (Hull number 101), was a steel-hulled sidewheel Steamer designed for passenger service. Renowned for her graceful lines and popularity, she underwent several name changes, becoming SILVER SPRAY and later DOVER in 1927. Her dimensions were 196 feet in length, a beam of 30 feet, and a depth of 11 feet, with gross and net tonnages of 533 and 375, respectively.

History

Throughout her operational life, the DOVER served various routes and owners, becoming a beloved vessel among passengers for her elegance and reliability. In June 1902, while operating under the name FRANK E. KIRBY, she was heavily damaged in a collision with the freighter WILEY M. EGAN near Amherstburg, Ontario. Despite this setback, she was repaired and continued her service. In February 1929, she suffered a significant fire while docked at River Rouge or Ecorse, Michigan, but was restored and returned to operation.

Tragically, on June 23, 1932, while moored at a layup dock in Ecorse, Michigan, the DOVER caught fire along with several other vessels. The blaze caused extensive damage, leading to her being declared a Total Loss. The wreck remained at the site until its removal in 1939.

Final Disposition

Destroyed by fire on June 23, 1932, at Ecorse, Michigan, on the Detroit River. The remains were removed in 1939.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was removed in 1939; no specific details about the removal process are available.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the former location of the DOVER wreck.

Resources & Links

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: DOVER

The DOVER’s history reflects the challenges and resilience of early 20th-century passenger steamers on the Great Lakes. Despite multiple incidents, including collisions and fires, she remained a cherished vessel until her ultimate demise in 1932.

Keywords: DOVER, FRANK E. KIRBY, SILVER SPRAY, sidewheel Steamer, Great Lakes shipwreck, Ecorse Michigan, maritime history

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Passenger Steamers

Glossary Terms:

  • Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by large paddle wheels mounted on either side of the Hull.
  • Gross Tonnage: A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel.
  • Net Tonnage: The volume of cargo a vessel can carry, calculated by subtracting non-revenue-earning spaces from the Gross Tonnage.
  • Layup Dock: A docking facility where ships are moored when they are out of service or awaiting repairs.
  • Hull Number: A unique identifier assigned to a ship’s Hull during construction.