U.S. Official No. 121240; built 1902 – sank 23 May 1910

Identification & Site Information

  • Names & Registry: Frank H. Goodyear, U.S. official number 121240 (sstmike.weebly.com)
  • Builder: American Ship Building Co., Lorain, OH; Hull no. 31; launched 23 Aug 1902 (sstmike.weebly.com)
  • Dimensions: LBP 416 ft (127 m); beam 50 ft (15.2 m); depth 28 ft (8.5 m) — LOA approx. 436 ft (133 m) (sstmike.weebly.com)
  • Tonnage & Power: 4,815 GRT / 3,438 NRT; triple-expansion steam engine rated at ~1,450 IHP (sstmike.weebly.com)
  • Loss: Collided and sank in < 4 minutes on 23 May 1910, ~35 mi north of Pointe aux Barques, Lake Huron (sstmike.weebly.com)

Vessel Type

Licensed as a steel-hulled Great Lakes bulk freighter, primarily for iron ore transport.

Description

Constructed of steel with a single Deck and hold beams, equipped with large hatches at 24 ft intervals. Powered by coal-fired boilers and a triple‑expansion steam engine. Distinctively featured a custom-built Pullman “Sinnemahoning” railcar, complete with plush interior and grand piano, mounted athwart on Deck—serving as private quarters for owner Frank H. Goodyear (sstmike.weebly.com).

History

  • Ownership & Operation: Enrolled Cleveland on 16 Sept 1902, later re‑enrolled Buffalo (23 Sept 1902). Initially owned by American Ship Building Co., quickly transferred (1904) to the Buffalo & Susquehanna Steamship Co., managed by John Mitchell of Mitchell Transp. Co. (sstmike.weebly.com)
  • Namesake: Commissioned by Frank H. Goodyear (1849–1907), lumber and railroad magnate (Buffalo Architecture and History).
  • Typical Cargo & Route: Frequently loaded with iron ore at Duluth; downbound to Cleveland/Buffalo (sstmike.weebly.com).

Final Voyage & Disposition

Located & Site Condition

  • Discovered ~2000–2003 by Undersea Research Associates (URA), lying in ~160 ft (49 m) of water, ~30–35 mi N of Pointe aux Barques (sstmike.weebly.com). The wreck rests upright, with bow twisted toward surface, visible trench, gaped Hull hole, and intact Pullman railcar, bar, piano, hot tub among debris (sstmike.weebly.com).

Notices & Warnings

No official hazard bulletins recorded. Wreck is in deep water; strong currents may pose dive hazards.

Resources & References

Shore Dive Info

  • Depth: ~160 ft (49 m)
  • Location: Lake Huron, ~35 mi N of Pointe aux Barques, MI (~43°54’N, 82°45’W approx.)
  • Entry: Dive from boat; entry by descent line.
  • Conditions: Strong thermocline, cold water (~4–10 °C), sometimes low Visibility.
  • Regulations: U.S. wreck in Michigan waters—no special permit, but adhere to no-disturbance rules and U.S. federal antiquities laws.
  • Support: Nearest ports: Port Huron, MI (emergency numbers 911 & Coast Guard). Closest dive shops: Port Huron and Tawas City outfitters.
  • Safety: Technical dive (mixed gas recommended), frequent decompression stops. Wreck structural stability may be compromised (trench and bow twist).

Conclusion

The Frank H. Goodyear stands as one of the most dramatic Great Lakes wrecks—a testament to industrial-age luxury (the Pullman railcar) smashed by the perils of maritime navigation. Technically intriguing and historically significant, it offers a captivating dive for experienced tech divers. Due to its depth, cold, and structural fragility, it’s recommended for advanced mixed-gas teams. Archaeologically, it remains largely intact, preserving unique artifacts and providing insight into early 20th-century shipboard life and Big Lake commerce.

Keywords: Lake Huron, bulk freighter, iron ore, collision, fog, Pullman railcar, wreck diving, deep technical dive.