Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Abbie
• Type: Wooden, two-masted schooner
• Year Built: 1886
• Builder: Ludington, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 88 ft (26.8 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 88 tons
• Location: Portage Lake entry, near Manistee, Michigan
• Official Number: 106407
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Abbie was a small, two-masted wooden schooner, purpose-built for carrying cargo along the Great Lakes. At just 88 feet in length, this schooner was well-suited for transporting goods along the coastal routes of Lake Michigan. The vessel frequently carried bulk materials such as lumber and bark, crucial resources for the industries around the Great Lakes.

Description

The Abbie was a wooden schooner designed for cargo transport, notable for its two masts and construction in 1886. It measured 88 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, and had a depth of 6 feet. With a gross tonnage of 88 tons and a net tonnage of 83 tons, it was a significant vessel for trade in the Great Lakes region.

History

On November 8, 1905, the Abbie was en route from Beaver Island to Milwaukee with a load of bark. As the vessel approached the entry to Portage Lake near Manistee, Michigan, it encountered a violent storm. Battling the intense conditions, the Abbie was driven ashore and quickly began to break apart. Within hours, the pounding waves reduced the vessel to pieces.

The schooner’s crew of four was saved by the heroic efforts of the Manistee Lifesaving Service and a local lightkeeper, who assisted in the rescue despite the challenging conditions. This act of bravery ensured that there were no casualties in the incident.

Significant Incidents

• November 8, 1905: The Abbie was lost in a storm while en route from Beaver Island to Milwaukee.
• The crew of four was rescued by the Manistee Lifesaving Service.

Final Disposition

The Abbie was completely destroyed by the storm, with the remains scattered by the strong lake currents. Despite its loss, the location near Portage Lake entry in Lake Michigan was confirmed, clarifying earlier reports that mistakenly placed the wreck near the Keweenaw Peninsula in Lake Superior.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Abbie is considered a total loss, with no remaining structure identifiable at the site. The area is known for its challenging dive conditions, particularly due to the historical weather patterns that contributed to the vessel’s sinking.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Abbie‘s story is a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes schooners and the dedication of lifesaving crews in the early 20th century. Though the vessel met a tragic end, the rescue of its crew highlights the bravery and resourcefulness of the Manistee Lifesaving Service. The Abbie remains an enduring part of Lake Michigan’s maritime history.