Identification & Construction
- Built: 1888 by F. Wheeler in West Bay City, MI (Hull #41)
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller Steamer, single-Deck, bulk freight carrier
- Engine: Not specified in sources, but typical propulsion of the era
- Dimensions: Approximately 242 ft in length × 40 ft beam × 18 ft depth; 1,425 GRT / 1,182 NRT (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Final Voyage & Cause of Loss
- Date of Loss: April 27, 1898
- Location: Off Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
- Weather Conditions: Gale-force winds hampered firefighting efforts (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Incident Details:
- Servia was towing the disabled Steamer Argonaut and the Schooner Frank Ewen
- A watchman’s painting-related accident sparked a fire aboard Servia
- Fire was fanned by gale winds, making containment impossible
- Crew evacuated, and the vessels were rescued by the Canadian passenger Steamer Alberta
- Servia capsized and sank shortly after crew abandonment
Casualties & Rescue
- Crew Status: All crew from Servia, Argonaut, and Frank Ewen were successfully rescued by Alberta, with no fatalities reported
Wreck Details & Site Status
- Location: Deep freshwaters off Whitefish Point; exact coordinates unknown, no dives reported
- Condition: Likely lies overturned or disintegrated in situ; no archaeological or sonar surveys documented
Historical Context & Significance
- Part of F. Wheeler’s fleet from Bay City, servicing bulk freight trades across Lake Superior
- Incident occurred during routine towing operations—highlighting shared risk and collaboration in Great Lakes commercial shipping
- Raises issues about onboard fire safety (especially paint operations) during late‑19th century maritime operations
- Demonstrates consequences of sudden weather shifts on emergency response capability
Gaps & Further Research Avenues
| Research Focus | Actionable Steps |
|---|---|
| Ownership & Vessel Specs | Consult 1898 U.S. Shipping Registry for boilers, engine spec, crew lists |
| Fire & Salvage Reports | Look into U.S. Lifesaving Service or Coast Guard logs for incident details |
| Rescue Coverage | Search French & Canadian newspapers for accounts of Alberta’s rescue operation |
| Wreck Mapping | Deploy sonar/side-scan survey off Whitefish Point to locate remains or debris field |
| Operator Records | Investigate company archives (e.g., F. Wheeler’s records) or shipyard logs for original specs and loss documentation |
Summary
The Steamer Servia met her fate on April 27, 1898, when a painting accident ignited a fire during towing operations near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior. A gale thwarted the crew’s firefighting efforts, leading to abandonment. Fortunately, rescue by Alberta saved all aboard before Servia capsized and sank. No casualties were recorded. The wreck remains undiscovered and undocumented—making it a valuable subject for Great Lakes maritime archaeology and industrial heritage.