Identification & Site Information:
• Name(s): Ocean Wave
• Registry: United States
• Official Number: Not Available
• Vessel Type: Scow
• Year Built: 1860
• Year Sank: 1869
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: Not documented
• Engines: None
• Dimensions:
• Length: 73 ft (22.3 m)
• Width: 20 ft (6.1 m)
• Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Vessel Type
The Ocean Wave was a scow, a flat-bottomed vessel commonly used for transporting bulk cargo, such as lumber, coal, or stone. Scows were practical for their shallow draught and ability to navigate confined waters and harbours.
Description
Built in 1860, the Ocean Wave served as a utilitarian cargo vessel for nine years. Scows like the Ocean Wave were vital to regional commerce, especially for transporting building materials to growing communities along the Great Lakes.
The Ocean Wave sank in 1869 off the coast of Whitefish Point, Door County, Wisconsin, likely due to structural failure, severe weather, or overloading, common risks for wooden cargo vessels of the era.
Final Dispositions
The wreck lies in 110 ft (33.5 m) of water, approximately two miles off Whitefish Point, Door County, Lake Michigan.
• The vessel is upright on the lakebed, with its lower Hull embedded in sand.
• The shifting sands of Lake Michigan cover and uncover various features of the wreck each year.
• Archaeological surveys by the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) have documented key structural elements, rigging, and remnants of cargo.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck has been extensively surveyed and documented by WHS archaeologists. The site contributes valuable information to the study of scows and their role in Great Lakes maritime history.
NOTMARs & Advisories
The depth of the wreck requires divers to have intermediate to advanced skills. Seasonal sand movements may affect Visibility and accessibility of certain features. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and avoid disturbing the fragile wreck or removing artifacts, as the Ocean Wave is a protected historical resource.
Resources & Links
3D Model – Ocean Wave
Ocean Wave by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Ocean Wave, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Scow, Door County Shipwrecks
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Cargo Vessels
Glossary: Scow, Shifting Sands, Archaeological Survey, Lower Hull, Whitefish Point
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