Shipping
The Emma E. Thompson (ship)
The Emma E. Thompson was built in 1875 at Saginaw, Michigan. She was 125' in length and had a beam of 28', draught of 13'. On May 28, 1914 while the Thompson hid behind Innes Island (E side) from a Westerly Gale she caught fire, burned and sank. There were 11 people on board, but no lives were lost. The Thompson had a full load of lumber on board from the French River destined for Manistee Michigan via the North Channel.
The Wreck Today: The Emma Thompson's remains lay in 25' of water. Protected from westerly wind as she was when she sank in this remote location in the North Channel. This vessel see's very little diver activity. There is virtually a treasure trove of history to explore here, from the main engines fire boxes and boiler, to tools, ropes and fittings. At the bow anchor chains lead off out of the realm of visibility, but if the diver chooses to follow the west chain, he will be rewarded by the sight of a steel stocked anchor stuck in the bottom as it has been for over 80 years.