GRENADA

2 min read

In the cold and unforgiving waters of Lake Michigan lies the wreck of the schooner DREDNAUGHT, also known as GRENADA, a vessel that met its fate on the stormy waters of Duncan City. The historical records recount a tale of tragedy and rescue, as well as efforts to salvage and restore the once-proud schooner.

The DREDNAUGHT, measuring 150 feet in length, was a wooden-hulled schooner that carried a cargo of iron ore. On that fateful day in December 2, 1875, she foundered near Duncan City, leaving her cargo and wooden hull resting on the lake’s floor.

Over the years, the exact name and identity of the wreck became disputed, with some referring to it as GRENADA, while others knew it as DREDNAUGHT. Despite the confusion, one thing was certain – the wreck became an integral part of the Alger Underwater Preserve, an area known for its numerous shipwrecks and a popular dive site.

Efforts to salvage and raise the schooner were undertaken. Captain Nickerson of Cleveland took it upon himself to raise the GRENADA from its watery grave. She was towed to the river for repairs, and luckily, the vessel was found to be mostly intact. Repairs were estimated at around $200, and the hope of restoring the once-proud schooner flickered to life.

While the fate of the DREDNAUGHT/GRENADA is one of shipwreck and loss, the Great Lakes have seen many such tragedies. As the waters hold countless stories of vessels that succumbed to the elements, they also carry the legacy of brave crews and valiant efforts by individuals like Captain Nickerson and the citizens of Duncan City to rescue and preserve the memories of these maritime tragedies.

The schooner DREDNAUGHT/GRENADA remains an intriguing piece of history, an echo of the past that continues to captivate divers and history enthusiasts alike. Its story is but one of many that remind us of the perils and mysteries that lie beneath the waves of the Great Lakes.

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