Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Alexander B. Moore (Northwest)
• Type: Schooner Barge
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 239 ft (72.8 m); Width: 37 ft (11.3 m); Depth: 15 ft (4.6 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 21.3 m / 70 ft
• Location: Lake Michigan, near the Straits of Mackinac
• Official Number: 105241
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Northwest was a large schooner barge, designed for carrying bulk cargo and often towed by steam-powered vessels. Schooner barges were integral to Great Lakes commerce in the late 19th century, transporting commodities such as coal, lumber, and grain.

Description

Built in 1873, the Northwest served as a durable and efficient cargo vessel for 25 years. It was later renamed Alexander B. Moore, reflecting its change in ownership. On October 29, 1898, the vessel sank during a gale on Lake Michigan while being towed through the Straits of Mackinac.

The schooner encountered heavy seas, which overwhelmed the vessel and led to its loss. Such incidents were not uncommon for schooner barges, particularly in challenging weather conditions on the Great Lakes.

History

The wreck of the Northwest lies at a depth of 70 ft (21.3 m) in Lake Michigan, near Michigan’s northern waters.

Significant Incidents

• The wreck is badly broken, with both sides and the deck collapsed.
• Notable features still present at the site include:
• Donkey boiler used for auxiliary steam power.
• Winch and capstan for cargo handling and mooring operations.
• Dual piston pump, a key component of the vessel’s bilge system.
• Rudder, providing insights into the ship’s design and steering mechanisms.

Final Disposition

The wreck is a well-documented site within the diving and maritime history communities. Its location and significance make it a popular site for exploration and study.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck’s depth of 70 ft makes it suitable for intermediate divers. The site’s scattered condition requires caution to avoid disturbing the remains or causing damage. The wreck is protected, and artifact removal is strictly prohibited.

Resources & Links

As you explore the Alexander B. Moore, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this historic site and its artifacts.