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  Launched in 1891, the steel-hulled Grecian was built during an era of unprecedented industrial growth and dramatic change in shipbuilding technology. Good steel flexes but doesn’t break upon impact. However, in June 1906, when Grecian struck a reef in northern Lake Huron, its steel plating proved brittle. With a hole in its bottom, the nearly 300-foot steamer was being towed to Detroit for repair when it flooded and sank near Thunder Bay.  

 Lying nine miles from Alpena in 102 feet of water, Grecian’s intact bow and stern reveal its sleek design. Large portions of the steamer’s midsection have collapsed, providing access to early steel-ship construction details. The propeller, engine, boilers, and deck machinery are all in place. A steel canalon (a lifting device) from a 1909 salvage attempt sits off the vessel’s stern. Grecian is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

 Built for speed, the 236-foot steam package freighter Montana initially carried all types of freight. While she eventually carried passengers and finally lumber for more than 40 years, Montana survived the dangers of the Great Lakes. On September 6, 1914, its luck ran out. As it passed Thunder Bay at dusk, fire broke out in its bow and spread rapidly. Years of paint, coal dust, and lubricants turned the ship into a floating furnace. Montana burned to the waterline and slipped into the chilly depths of Lake Huron just after 2:00 a.m. The entire crew of 14 escaped in a lifeboat.

Today, the Montana rests in 66 feet of water and is an excellent dive site. The steamer’s impressive power train is intact, complete with massive boiler, three-story-tall steam engine, drive shaft, and propeller. While Montana’s bow is broken open, much of the ship’s 236-foot wooden hull is preserved as are its windlass, capstan, and rudder. 

On its last voyage, E.B. Allen was on its way to Buffalo, New York, when it collided with another sailing ship in heavy fog. The other ship, Newsboy, tore a large hole in Allen's portside. As the ship began to sink, all of Allen's crew were rescued aboard Newsboy.

Today, the E.B. Allen rests on the lakebed with its hull largely intact. Although the masts are broken and most of the decking is gone, the windlass, anchor chains, and rudder are still in place.

This wreck makes a great penetration dive for those who are qualified.

D.M. Wilson was headed for Milwaukee with a load of coal when it sprang a leak and began sinking. The steamers Hudson and Samuel Mitchell took it in tow, but it foundered in 40 feet of water two miles north of Thunder Bay Island. The crew was rescued by a fourth ship.

D.M. Wilson was broken up by a gale ten days later and debris was driven as far south as Tawas. Much of the machinery was later salvaged. Most of D.M. Wilson's hull remains intact today, including a large windlass that rests on the bow.