Identification & Site Information:

• Name(s): Walrus, also referred to as the Gray’s Reef Wreck
• Registry: United States
• Official Number: 26225
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1857
• Year Sank: 1868
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: Not documented
• Engines: None

Dimensions:

• • Length: 136 ft (41.5 m)
• • Width: 26 ft (7.9 m)
• • Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)

Vessel Type

The Walrus was a wooden-hulled Schooner, a common vessel type used on the Great Lakes in the 19th century for transporting cargo such as lumber, grain, and coal. Schooners were known for their agility and efficiency in handling varying wind conditions, making them a preferred design for commerce.

Description

Built in 1857, the Walrus served for over a decade on the Great Lakes, likely transporting goods along the busy trade routes connecting the Midwest to Eastern markets. On September 19, 1868, the Schooner sank near Gray’s Reef in Lake Michigan. The circumstances of the wreck are not fully documented, though it may have involved severe weather or navigational challenges common to the area, known for its shallow waters and shifting sands.

The wreck, referred to as the Gray’s Reef Wreck, is believed to be the remains of the Walrus, but definitive identification is difficult due to the limited structure remaining at the site.

Final Dispositions

The wreck lies in 15 ft (4.6 m) of water near Gray’s Reef, Michigan. The site consists of two sections of the ship’s side and a piece of the bow, with visible chain plates suggesting a Schooner. While the remnants provide valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding, they are sparse and heavily degraded due to over a century of exposure to the elements.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck has been identified as part of the Gray’s Reef area, known for its rich maritime history and challenging navigational conditions. Its identification as the Walrus is based on historical records and circumstantial evidence.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The shallow depth and location near Gray’s Reef make the wreck site accessible to divers and snorkelers. However, the limited remains and the site’s exposure to shifting sands and strong currents can impact Visibility and exploration.

Resources & Links

• • Great Lakes Historical Society: Walrus
• • Great Lakes Vessels: Walrus
• 3DShipwrecks – Walrus

3D Model – Walrus

Grays Reef Wreck by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: Walrus, Gray’s Reef Wreck, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Wooden Schooners

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Schooner Wrecks

Glossary: Schooner, Chain Plates, Bow, Gray’s Reef