File:M.M. Drake (1882) (36901686686).jpg

Fate:Foundered off Vermilion Point in Lake Superior with her tow, schooner Michigan on 2 October 1901

The SS M.M. Drake was a wooden steam barge that towed consorts loaded with coal and iron ore on the Great Lakes. She came to the rescue of the crews of at least 4 foundering vessels in her 9 year career only to meet the same fate in her final rescue attempt. The Drake sank in 1882 off Vermilion Point after a rescue attempt of her consort Michigan. Her rudder, anchor, and windlass were illegally removed from her wreck site in the 1980s. They are now the property of the State of Michigan. The rudder is on display as a loan to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the anchor and windlass are on loan for display to Whitefish Township Community Center. The wreck of the Drake is protected as part of an underwater museum in the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve. Owner:John Green, Buffalo, New York Port of registry:Buffalo, New York Builder:Union Dry Dock Company Completed:1882 Identification:Official No. 91485 Class and type:Steamer, propeller, barge Tonnage: 915 Gross Register Tonnage 762 Net Register Tonnage Length:201 ft (61 m) Beam:34.42 ft (10.49 m) Depth:14.5 ft (4.4 m)