Shipwreck Report: Schooner-Barge Alta

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Alta
• Type: Schooner-Barge
• Build Year: 1884
• Builder: F. Wheeler, West Bay City, Michigan
• Dimensions:
• Length: 198 feet (60.35 meters)
• Beam: 37.4 feet (11.4 meters)
• Depth: 15.7 feet (4.8 meters)
• Tonnage:
• Gross: 935 tons
• Net: 909 tons
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: Two
• Final Resting Place: East side of Grand Island, near Munising, Michigan, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: 46° 28.353′  N 086° 36.372′ W
• Directions: Approximately 500 feet (150 meters) from shore, off the Point of Trout Bay
• Condition: Wrecked and broken apart by storms, remnants in shallow water

Vessel Type Description

The Alta was a wooden Schooner-Barge equipped with two masts, designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooner-barges were often towed by steam tugs, maximizing their efficiency while relying on minimal crew. The Alta was typical of the vessels that dominated Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, capable of transporting significant loads such as lumber and coal.

History

The Alta was launched in 1884 for the Bewick Transportation Co. of Detroit, Michigan. Over its operational life, the vessel changed ownership multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. The vessel primarily transported lumber and coal, playing a crucial role in the economic development of the region.

Final Voyage

On October 19, 1905, the Alta was under tow by the Tug F.A. Meyers, en route from Duluth with a cargo of lumber. While navigating Lake Superior near Munising, Michigan, a severe storm caused the Alta to break free from the Tug. The Schooner-Barge drifted and eventually stranded on the east side of Grand Island, near the Point of Trout Bay.

Pounded by relentless waves, the Alta was heavily damaged, leaving the crew of six men and one woman clinging to the wreck for over a day. Local fishermen mounted a heroic rescue effort, saving the crew. Remarkably, there was no loss of life despite the harrowing conditions.

Aftermath and Salvage Efforts

The wreck of the Alta remained on the shoal in shallow water, approximately 500 feet from the shore. Winter storms exacerbated the damage to the vessel, breaking it apart and spreading debris. The vessel’s owner, J.J. Boland, sold the wreck to wrecker J. Reid on November 1, 1905, in hopes of salvaging the valuable lumber cargo. However, salvage operations were Abandoned due to the wreck’s deteriorated state, and the Alta was ultimately left in eight feet of water.

Final Disposition

The Alta was declared a Total Loss. The wreck remains in shallow water near Grand Island, its remnants a testament to the perils of maritime navigation on Lake Superior. Salvage efforts were partially successful in retrieving some of the lumber cargo, but the vessel itself was unsalvageable.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Alta lies in shallow water, approximately 25 feet (8 meters) offshore in eight feet (2.4 meters) of water. Its remains, although scattered and weathered, are accessible to divers and kayakers interested in exploring the site. However, much of the vessel has been broken apart by storms over the years.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships
• Bowling Green State University
• 3D Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The story of the Alta encapsulates the challenges of Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century. Despite its sturdy construction and experienced crew, the Schooner-Barge could not withstand the powerful storm that sealed its fate. The Alta’s wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes, as well as the resilience of those who sailed its waters.

Keywords

#Alta #SchoonerBarge #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #GrandIslandWreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #ShipwreckExploration #LumberCargoShipwreck #MunisingMichiganWreck

3D Model