Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Shaw
• Registry: Not documented
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1885
• Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
• Year Sank: November 13, 1894
• Hull Material: Wood
• Dimensions
• Length: 217 ft (66.14 m)
• Beam: 39 ft (11.89 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 928

Vessel History

The Shaw was a large wooden Schooner built in 1885, designed to carry bulk cargoes such as coal, grain, and other materials. By the late 19th century, schooners like the Shaw often sailed in tow of steam barges to increase efficiency and conserve crew effort.

On November 13, 1894, the Shaw was bound for Chicago under tow by the steam Barge John F. Eddy, carrying a load of coal. During a severe snowstorm off the coast of Harrisville, Michigan, the Schooner Foundered and sank in 128 feet of water. The crew Abandoned the ship in a Yawl boat and drifted for several hours in the storm before being rescued by a passing Steamer.

Shortly after the sinking, a wrecking company located the Shaw, but plans for recovery were Abandoned. The wreck remained forgotten until July 2007, when local fisherman John Gauthier rediscovered the site while setting fishing nets.

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Huron
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 128 ft (39 m)
• Location: Near Harrisville, Michigan

Site Description:

The Shaw lies in 128 ft of water and is well-preserved due to the cold, fresh conditions of Lake Huron. Key features of the wreck include:

• Structural Integrity:

• The Hull remains largely intact, offering insights into late 19th-century Schooner construction.

• Artifacts and Features:

• Cargo Hold: Coal remains visible in the hold, a tangible connection to the ship’s final voyage.

• Deck and Rigging: Portions of the Deck and rigging are still extant.

• Anchors and Mooring Equipment: Noted in previous recovery attempts but not retrieved.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

The site lies at 128 ft (39 m), making it accessible to advanced recreational divers with proper deep-diving certifications.

• Visibility:

Lake Huron generally offers excellent Visibility at this depth, though weather and sediment conditions may affect clarity.

• Preservation Status:

The wreck is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and refrain from disturbing or removing artifacts.

Site Significance

The Shaw represents a critical period in Great Lakes shipping, during the transition from sail to steam power. Its intact Hull and preserved cargo provide valuable archaeological insights into Schooner design and coal transport during the late 19th century.

Rediscovered in 2007, the Shaw is an important historical and recreational site for divers, offering a glimpse into the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during harsh weather. Its story of loss and rediscovery underscores the importance of preserving maritime history.

Keywords:

Shaw shipwreck, Lake Huron schooners, coal cargo vessels, Harrisville wrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, deep wreck diving.

3D Model

John L. Shaw by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab