SHIPWRECK REPORT: E.K. ROBERTS (Also Known as CITY OF WINDSOR and MICHIPICOTEN)

Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel

Dimensions:

  • • Length: 117 ft (35.7 m)
  • • Beam: 24.8 ft (7.6 m)
  • • Depth: 10.7 ft (3.26 m)
  • Tonnage:

Location: North Channel, Lake Huron, near Cook’s Dock, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • • Original Name: E.K. Roberts
  • • Other Names: City of Windsor, Michipicoten
  • • Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Co., Detroit, Michigan (1883)
  • • Engine: For-and-Aft Compound Engine with two cylinders, built by H.G. Trout of Buffalo, New York.
  • • Boilers: Two boilers (5 ft x 10 ft) built by Fitzgibbon.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Use:

The E.K. Roberts was constructed in 1883 as a versatile wooden-hulled propeller vessel with two decks. Originally owned by the Detroit & Duck Island Transportation Co., the vessel served as a passenger and freight carrier, specializing in the fish trade.

Ownership and Name Changes:

Over its operational life, the vessel underwent several ownership and name changes:

  • City of Windsor: Operated under this name during its passenger service era.
  • Michipicoten: Later renamed for freight transport.
  • Ownership Transfers: Owners included C.W. Gauthier, Butler & Co., T.M. Kirkwood & D.L. McKinnon, Stephen Reeves, Joseph Ganley, and the North American Bent Chair Co.

Final Voyage (October 10, 1927):

  • Cargo: Flour and building materials.
  • Incident:
    • While docked at Cook’s Dock, a fire broke out aboard the vessel.
    • To prevent the fire from spreading, the vessel was pushed away from the dock but ultimately sank near the opposite shore in shallow water.
  • Outcome: The vessel burned and sank to a depth of 25 feet.

CURRENT CONDITION

  • Wreck Site:
    • The remains lie in 25 feet (7.6 m) of water near Cook’s Dock, making it an accessible site for divers of all skill levels.
    • The wooden Hull and components of the engine and boilers may still be visible, though heavily deteriorated.
  • Visibility:
    • Conditions in the North Channel can vary, but shallow depth improves accessibility and Visibility for exploration.

SIGNIFICANCE

The E.K. Roberts represents a crucial era in Great Lakes transportation history, serving as a passenger vessel and freighter during its long career. Its transition through multiple names and owners reflects the dynamic economic demands of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The fire and subsequent sinking serve as a reminder of the hazards faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

NOTES FOR EXPLORERS AND DIVERS

  • Access:
    • The shallow depth makes the site ideal for novice and recreational divers.
    • Boat access is available from Cook’s Dock on Manitoulin Island.
  • Points of Interest:
    • Remaining Hull fragments and engine components.
    • Artifacts from the vessel’s service life may still be present.
  • Conservation:
    • Respect the historical integrity of the site by avoiding disturbance of artifacts.

REFERENCES & LINKS

This report provides a comprehensive account of the E.K. Roberts, documenting its service, tragic end, and ongoing significance as a Great Lakes shipwreck.Despite its eventual demise, the E.K. Roberts had a long history of service, transporting passengers and freight along the waters of Lake Huron.