Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: Miztec
• • Type: Three-Masted Schooner
• • Year Built: 1890
• • Builder: Marine City, Michigan
• • Final Location: Lake Michigan
• • Date of Incident: May 15, 1921
• • Coordinates: Exact location not publicly documented
• • Depth: 45 to 55 feet (13.7 to 16.7 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Miztec was a wooden three-masted Schooner, a vessel design commonly used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schooners like the Miztec were efficient cargo carriers, often transporting bulk goods such as salt, grain, and lumber across the lakes. The vessel’s robust construction and sail configuration allowed for relatively fast and stable navigation, but storms posed a significant risk to their operations.

History

Built in 1890 in Marine City, Michigan, the Miztec served as a workhorse for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. On her final voyage in May 1921, she carried a load of salt, towed by the Steamer Zillah. As the vessels navigated Lake Michigan, a sudden and fierce storm developed, catching both the Schooner and the Steamer in treacherous conditions.

During the storm, the Towline connecting the Miztec to the Zillah snapped, leaving the Schooner to drift at the mercy of the elements. Despite the efforts of her seven-man crew, the Miztec succumbed to the storm’s fury, disappearing beneath the waves. Tragically, all crew members were lost in the incident.

Final Disposition

The Miztec sank in Lake Michigan and remains on the lakebed at depths ranging from 45 to 55 feet. The vessel was a Total Loss, and no cargo or significant parts of the wreck were salvaged. The tragedy underscores the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms often proved fatal for vessels unprepared or caught in precarious situations.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs): No specific advisories exist for the wreck site. Mariners and divers should exercise caution in Lake Michigan due to potential submerged hazards.

• Diving Advisories: The wreck’s location and depth make it accessible to recreational divers with adequate training. Divers are encouraged to respect the site as a historical landmark and avoid disturbing the wreckage.

Located By & Date

The Miztec’s wreck location has been noted by divers and historians, though the precise discovery date and full exploration details remain undocumented. The site continues to attract interest from divers and maritime enthusiasts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreck is in a typical state of deterioration for wooden vessels submerged for over a century. Structural elements, such as the Hull and spars, may still be visible, though decomposition and sediment accumulation likely obscure many details.

• Accessibility: The depth of 45 to 55 feet makes the Miztec suitable for recreational divers, but local diving regulations and safety measures should be followed. The Visibility in Lake Michigan can vary, and divers are advised to plan their dives carefully, considering currents and weather conditions.

Resources & Links

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

Provides records and accounts of shipwrecks, including the Miztec.

https://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

2. Great Lakes Historical Society:

Dedicated to preserving the history of Great Lakes vessels.

3. Local Diving Clubs:

Regional organizations may have additional insights or exploratory reports on the Miztec.

4. 3DShipwrecks

Mixtec

Conclusion

The Miztec is a somber yet fascinating part of Lake Michigan’s maritime history. Her loss, along with her entire crew, highlights the relentless challenges of sailing the Great Lakes, particularly during sudden and severe storms. Preserving the story of the Miztec is vital to honoring the legacy of those who worked and perished on these inland seas.

Keywords

#MiztecShipwreck #LakeMichiganShipwrecks #GreatLakesHistory #MaritimeTragedy #SchoonerWreck #ShipwreckDiving

3D Model – Miztec

Miztec by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab