Shipwreck Report: Vernon

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Vernon
• Registry: U.S.
• Official Number: 161557
• Vessel Type: Screw Steamer
• Year Built: 1886
• Year Sank: 1887
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: Double Expansion Steam
• Dimensions
• Length: 159 ft (48.46 m)
• Width: 26 ft (7.92 m)
• Depth: 19 ft (5.79 m)

Vessel History

The Vernon was a wooden-hulled screw Steamer built in 1886, designed primarily for package freight transportation. Powered by a double-expansion steam engine, the vessel was a typical example of late 19th-century freight steamers, blending steam propulsion with efficient cargo handling capabilities.

The Vernon tragically sank in 1887, barely a year after its construction, during a fierce storm on Lake Michigan. It went down with significant loss of life, underscoring the dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The wreckage and its intact cargo provide valuable insights into 19th-century maritime commerce and the design of early screw steamers.

For further historical details:

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database – Vernon
• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• 3DShipwrecks – Vernon

Wreck Site Information

• • Lake: Lake Michigan
• • State/Province: Wisconsin
• • Depth: 210 ft (64 m)
• • GPS Coordinates: N 44° 12.125′, W 087° 24.738′

3D Model – Vernon

Vernon by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck of the Vernon lies at a depth of 210 ft (64 m), with significant portions of the vessel remarkably intact:

• Hull and Cargo Cabins: Fully intact, preserving the overall structure of the vessel.

• Engine Room: Still present, showcasing the double-expansion steam engine and associated machinery.

• Package Freight Remnants: Many remnants of the ship’s cargo remain visible on the site.

• Upper Deck and Pilot House: Detached and located at a shallower depth of 160 ft (48.8 m), a short distance from the main wreck site.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

The wreck lies at significant depths, with portions at 210 ft (64 m). It is suitable only for advanced technical divers trained in deep wreck diving.

• Visibility:

Lake Michigan often offers good Visibility at these depths, though conditions can vary with weather and sediment.

• Preservation Status:

Protected under Wisconsin law as part of its underwater cultural heritage. Divers must respect the site and refrain from disturbing or removing artifacts.

Site Significance

The Vernon wreck is a poignant reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation during the late 19th century. Its intact Hull and cargo cabins make it a rare and valuable archaeological site, providing insights into ship construction, steam propulsion, and package freight transport of the era. The separated pilot house and upper Deck add an additional layer of interest, showcasing the vessel’s violent end during the storm.

Its depth and excellent preservation make the Vernon a sought-after site for technical divers and maritime historians.

Keywords:

Vernon shipwreck, Lake Michigan steamers, double-expansion engine, package freighters, Great Lakes maritime history, technical diving sites.