Identification & Site Information

• Name: The Petoskey Underwater Crucifix

• Location: Little Traverse Bay, approximately 1,200 feet from the Petoskey break wall, Michigan, USA

• Depth: Approximately 20-25 feet (6-7.6 metres)

• Original Placement: 1962 by the Superior Marine Divers Club of Wyandotte

• Current Placement: Relocated in 1985 by the Little Traverse Bay Dive Club due to sediment buildup

Description

The underwater crucifix in Little Traverse Bay near Petoskey, Michigan, serves as a poignant underwater memorial for those who have lost their lives at sea, particularly divers. This beautifully crafted artifact, carved from marble in Italy, is a significant cultural and historical site in the area.

The crucifix was originally commissioned in the 1950s by the family of Gerald Schipinski, a 15-year-old boy tragically killed in a shotgun accident on their family farm. However, the crucifix was damaged during shipping, and the grieving family rejected it upon its arrival.

Recognizing its symbolic potential, the Superior Marine Divers Club purchased the crucifix in 1962 and installed it underwater in Little Traverse Bay. This act was done to honor divers who had drowned, transforming the site into a meaningful underwater memorial.

History & Significance

1. Commissioning:

• Originally intended as a family memorial for Gerald Schipinski, the crucifix was crafted in Italy.

• Damage during shipping led to its rejection by the family.

2. First Installation (1962):

• Purchased by the Superior Marine Divers Club.

• Installed 1,200 feet from the Petoskey break wall in Little Traverse Bay as a tribute to divers lost at sea.

3. Relocation (1985):

• Sediment buildup at the original site prompted the Little Traverse Bay Dive Club to move the crucifix to its current location.

• The relocation ensured that the monument remained accessible and visible to divers and visitors.

4. Commemoration:

• The crucifix serves as a memorial for all who have died at sea.

• Several plaques placed at the site commemorate individuals who have passed, adding a deeply personal and emotional connection for families and divers.

Diving the Site

• Access: The site is shore accessible and located relatively close to the Petoskey break wall.

• Depth: The crucifix rests at approximately 20-25 feet (6-7.6 metres), making it suitable for divers of all skill levels.

• Conditions:

• Visibility varies based on the season and weather, but the site typically offers good underwater views in clear conditions.

• The water temperature can range significantly, so proper thermal protection is recommended.

• Features:

• The marble crucifix is the central attraction.

• Nearby plaques serve as memorials, adding to the solemn and reflective atmosphere of the site.

Legacy

The Petoskey Underwater Crucifix is not just a dive site but a living memorial that brings together communities of divers, locals, and visitors. Its history—rooted in tragedy, resilience, and honor—reflects the maritime spirit of the Great Lakes and the enduring connection people have with the water.

Resources & Links

• Nautical North Family Adventures: Organizing shore dives and local diving experiences.

• Little Traverse Bay Dive Club: Site maintenance and historical preservation.

• Local Diving Communities: Events and memorial gatherings at the site.

Suggested Keywords & Categories

• Keywords: Petoskey crucifix, Little Traverse Bay dive site, underwater memorial, diver tribute, Gerald Schipinski, Petoskey break wall.

• Categories: Shore Diving, Memorial Dive Sites, Lake Michigan Dive Sites, Historical Dive Locations.

Glossary Terms

• Break Wall: A man-made structure extending into a body of water to protect a shoreline or harbor.

• Sediment Buildup: Accumulation of silt, sand, and debris that can obscure underwater structures over time.

• Plaques: Commemorative markers placed underwater as memorials for individuals.

This dive site promises both reflection and exploration—perfect for a meaningful summer shore dive! 🌊