WRECK SUMMARY

  • Type: Wooden steam freighter
  • Length: Not specified
  • Loss of Life: None
  • Location: Lake Huron, near Thunder Bay, Michigan
  • GPS: Not publicly recorded
  • Depth: Unknown

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: Edward U. Demmer
  • Type: Wooden-hulled steam freighter
  • Built: 1899
  • Flag/Registry: United States
  • Date of Loss: May 20, 1923
  • Final Resting Place: Lake Huron, near Thunder Bay, Michigan
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal
  • Casualties: None
  • Collision Vessel: Saturn (Steamer)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Edward U. Demmer was a wooden steam-powered freighter, built in the final years of the wooden cargo ship era. These vessels were designed for long hauls across the Great Lakes, typically transporting coal, iron ore, or bulk goods.

By the early 1920s, wooden freighters were largely obsolete, making the Demmer one of the last of its kind still operating commercially.

HISTORY

On May 20, 1923, the Edward U. Demmer was approaching Thunder Bay, Michigan, in heavy fog while carrying a load of coal. Visibility was extremely poor when she collided bows-on with the Steamer Saturn.

Despite the severity of the impact, no lives were lost. The Demmer, however, sustained critical damage and sank shortly thereafter.

The Saturn reportedly remained afloat, and additional details about her fate after the collision are not noted in the immediate incident record.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Sank in Lake Huron after a fog-bound collision. The exact wreck location is near Thunder Bay but not confirmed in public dive registries. It may fall within the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

REFERENCES & LINKS