The SS Ithaka is a wrecked steam freighter that serves as a notable maritime landmark near Churchill, Manitoba, on the coast of Hudson Bay. Originally constructed in 1922, the vessel was first launched as the Frank A. Augsbury, a lake freighter built by Fraser, Brace, Ltd., of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. She measured 251 feet 2 inches (76.6 meters) in length with a beam of 43 feet 1 inch (13.1 meters) and a draught of 18 feet 1 inch (5.5 meters). Her gross register tonnage was 2,051 GRT. Power was provided by a 1,400-horsepower triple expansion steam engine fueled by two Scotch marine boilers burning coal, enabling her to operate on inland waters and later in various maritime roles. Throughout her service life, the vessel underwent numerous name changes, reflecting ownership and operational shifts. She was renamed Granby in 1927 after being sold to Canada Steamship Lines, and she operated under this name during World War II, even being managed by France, Fenwick and Company. Notably, in 1945, she collided with the British MV Atlantic City off the West Goodwins, resulting in a hull breach that led to her being towed and laid up in the River Blackwater. Post-war, her ownership changed multiple times, and she was renamed Parita II, Valbruna, Lawrencecliffe Hall, and Federal Explorer. During her tenure as Federal Explorer, she was employed as a supply vessel delivering cargo to Canadian Arctic communities, including nickel concentrates and fuel oil, and supporting military installations. Her final voyage began in September 1960 after being sold to the Ithaka Shipping Company and registered in Nassau, Bahamas. While attempting to deliver supplies to Rankin Inlet, she was caught in a severe storm, lost her rudder, and ran aground on a shallow gravel bank in Bird Cove, approximately ten miles east of Churchill. The storm's impact caused her bottom to be ripped out, leaving her completely wrecked. The incident resulted in the rescue of all 37 crew members, with salvage operations recovering some cargo and equipment. The wreck remains a significant maritime relic and a visible reminder of early 20th-century inland and Arctic shipping endeavors.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.