Identification & Site Information

•Name: Believed to be the Flora (Tugboat, identity unconfirmed)

•Type: Small Tugboat

•Location: Near shore, shallow waters, Northport, Lake Michigan

•Depth: Accessible for snorkeling and SCUBA diving

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Current Status: Surveyed and accessible, with ongoing preservation efforts

Vessel Type Description

The Flora is presumed to be a small, locally operated Tugboat. Tugboats like the Flora were integral to the fishing and maritime industries in smaller lakeside communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their sturdy design allowed them to perform tasks such as towing fishing nets, assisting larger vessels, and general work in harbors and nearshore waters.

History

The Flora is closely tied to the Northport community, particularly the Hopkins family, a prominent fishing family. This connection underscores the vessel’s role in supporting the local economy and livelihood during its operational period.

The wreck, located in shallow waters near a high-traffic beach, has sparked significant local interest. While its overall impact on broader maritime history is modest, its cultural and historical importance to Northport cannot be overstated. The wreck serves as a tangible link to the community’s fishing heritage and maritime past.

Efforts Toward Identification

•Local knowledge and historical accounts suggest the wreck is the Flora.

•Turn-of-the-century ownership records and period newspapers are potential sources for further verification.

•A photograph or negative provided by Mrs. Dewane, which allegedly shows writing on the Hull, may provide definitive evidence of the vessel’s identity.

Survey and Preservation Efforts

1.Survey Techniques:

•Georeferencing.

•Sector scan sonar.

•Total station measurements.

•Direct surveys by snorkeling and SCUBA diving.

•Videography and a phohttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgosaic were created for documentation.

2.Public Awareness and Preservation:

•An informational marker buoy was placed in 2015 but went missing in 2016, likely due to boat activity.

•Educational materials, including pamphlets, are distributed in local diving shops and attractions to raise awareness about the wreck’s significance.

3.Community Importance:

•The Flora is promoted as a part of Northport’s cultural heritage, emphasizing its connection to the Hopkins family and the town’s fishing industry history.

•Efforts are focused on educating visitors and locals to ensure the site’s preservation amid high recreational activity.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is located in shallow waters and is accessible to both snorkelers and divers. Proximity to a popular beach area poses a risk of inadvertent damage, but it also offers opportunities for public engagement and educational outreach.

Next Steps for Identification and Preservation

•Archival Research: Investigating ownership records and local newspapers for information about the Flora.

•Photographic Evidence: Analyzing Mrs. Dewane’s photograph or negative for Hull markings or other identifying details.

•Public Engagement: Installing a new marker buoy and expanding educational materials to encourage responsible interactions with the wreck.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Historical Archive

2.Local Historical Societies: Northport area historical records and family archives.

3.Diving Community Resources: Informational pamphlets and local dive shop collaborations.

Conclusion

While the Flora may not have significant maritime renown, its wreck holds deep cultural and historical importance to Northport, Michigan. Its ties to the Hopkins family and the local fishing industry highlight its role in shaping the community’s economic and maritime history. Ongoing efforts to educate the public and verify the wreck’s identity will further its legacy, fostering both preservation and appreciation of the region’s maritime heritage.

Keywords

Flora Tugboat, Northport shipwreck, Hopkins family, Lake Michigan maritime history, shallow wreck site, community preservation, snorkeling and diving sites, historical identification efforts.