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Joseph S. Fay
Bulk Freighter
Historic Research Collection
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GPS Location: N45°29.317’ W83° 54.600’
Depth: 17 Feet
Wreck Length: 216 Feet Beam: 34 Feet
Gross Tonnage: 1221 Cargo: Iron Ore
Built: 1871 by Quayle and Martin at Cleveland, Ohio
Wrecked: October 19, 1905
Description: With the D.P. Rhodes in tow, the giant bulk freighter Joseph S. Fay encountered a strong gale in northern Lake Huron. Fay hit the rocks at 40 Mile Point, the towline parted and the Rhodes met a similar fate at Cheboygan. The Fay broke apart quickly and its lower hull still containing a load of iron ore sits in shallow water not far from shore, while a large portion of the starboard side is located on the beach just up the shore from the lighthouse.


Joseph S. FayJoseph S. Fay

Joseph S. FayJoseph S. Fay

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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wreck coordinates Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center