The Algoma was a British-built screw steamer launched in 1883 by Aitken & Mansell in Glasgow, Scotland, for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. At 262 feet long with a 38-foot beam, she was designed to carry both passengers and freight across the upper Great Lakes. Because she was too long to pass through the Welland Canal, the vessel was cut in two for transport and rejoined in Buffalo, New York. Once on the Great Lakes, Algoma quickly earned a reputation for speed and comfort, accommodating hundreds of passengers and general merchandise on regular runs between ports.
In early November 1885, the Algoma departed Owen Sound, Ontario, bound for Thunder Bay with cargo and 37 passengers aboard. While crossing Lake Superior, the ship encountered a powerful snowstorm. In the early morning hours of November 7, poor visibility and storm conditions pushed the vessel off course toward Isle Royale. At approximately 4:40 a.m., the Algoma struck rocks off Mott Island. Under relentless wave action, Algoma broke in two along the midship seam where the vessel had been cut for transport and later rejoined.
In early November 1885, the Algoma departed Owen Sound, Ontario, bound for Thunder Bay with cargo and 37 passengers aboard. While crossing Lake Superior, the ship encountered a powerful snowstorm. In the early morning hours of November 7, poor visibility and storm conditions pushed the vessel off course toward Isle Royale. At approximately 4:40 a.m., the Algoma struck rocks off Mott Island. Under relentless wave action, Algoma broke in two along the midship seam where the vessel had been cut for transport and later rejoined.
Many passengers and crew were swept into the lake; only 14 people survived — including two passengers, eleven crew, and the captain — while an estimated 46 lives were lost, making it one of the deadliest wrecks in Lake Superior history.
Salvage operations began in 1886, recovering much of the stern section, including boilers and machinery, which were later reused in the passenger steamer Manitoba launched in 1889. Today, the scattered remains of Algoma lie in 15 to 100 feet of water around Isle Royale, and pieces of the stern can still be seen on dives within Isle Royale National Park.
Salvage operations began in 1886, recovering much of the stern section, including boilers and machinery, which were later reused in the passenger steamer Manitoba launched in 1889. Today, the scattered remains of Algoma lie in 15 to 100 feet of water around Isle Royale, and pieces of the stern can still be seen on dives within Isle Royale National Park.