Joseph S. Fay

3D Model

The Joseph S. Fay was a wooden steamer built in 1871 and sank off of Forty Mile Point near Rogers City Michigan in October 1905 during a strong storm. The winds were strong so it hugged the Lake Huron coast but unfortunately it ran into submerged rocks. The captain drove the ship towards shore to ground it. When it hit, the wheelhouse, deck, mate’s and captain’s rooms were ripped from the deck and carried it to shore with the captain and 10 crewmen safe inside. The first mate and two other crewmen were left on the ship. The mate tried to swim ashore but eventually drowned. The Fay quickly broke apart. Today the wreck sits in just 15-20 feet of water about 900 feet from shore. The steamer was 215 feet long and a lot of it can still be seen on the bottom and parts of the hull still on the beach. The rudder is there, props have been removed but much of the hull splayed open can be seen and other parts laying around. It’s an excellent place to snorkel or dive off Forty Mile Point Lighthouse.