Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alexander Mitchell
- Type: Wooden Brig
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Number of Masts: Two square-rigged masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Alexander Mitchell was classified as a wooden brig, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two square-rigged masts.
Description
The Alexander Mitchell was constructed in 1853 and was primarily used for trade and transportation on the Great Lakes. The vessel was caught in a severe storm on October 22, 1866, while navigating Lake Michigan, leading to its eventual loss.
History
Throughout its service, the Alexander Mitchell faced the challenges typical of wooden sailing vessels of the 19th century, including the risk of severe weather. The ship was driven ashore during a storm, and within two weeks, it had broken apart due to relentless wave action. There are no records indicating any salvage operations or recovery efforts following the incident.
Significant Incidents
- October 22, 1866: Caught in a severe storm on Lake Michigan, leading to the vessel being driven ashore.
- Within two weeks of the storm, the vessel broke apart due to wave action.
Final Disposition
As of current records, the wreck of the Alexander Mitchell has not been located or identified. There are no navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck site in Lake Michigan.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Alexander Mitchell remains unknown due to its unlocated status. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alexander-mitchell” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The loss of the Alexander Mitchell highlights the hazards faced by wooden sailing vessels in the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly the risks posed by severe storms. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges of maritime navigation and the vulnerability of ships to natural forces.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
The ALEXANDER MITCHELL was a wooden brig constructed in 1853. On October 22, 1866, while navigating Lake Michigan, she was caught in a severe storm and driven ashore. Within two weeks, the vessel had broken apart due to relentless wave action. There are no records indicating salvage operations or recovery efforts following the incident.
As of current records, the wreck of the ALEXANDER MITCHELL has not been located or identified.
There are no current navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck site of the ALEXANDER MITCHELL in Lake Michigan.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The loss of the ALEXANDER MITCHELL underscores the hazards faced by wooden sailing vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly the risk of severe storms. The incident highlights the challenges of maritime navigation and the vulnerability of ships to natural forces during that era.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: ALEXANDER MITCHELL, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 1866 storm, wooden brig
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime Disasters, Wooden Sailing Vessels
- Glossary Terms:
- Brig: A sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts.
- Driven Ashore: A situation where a vessel is forced onto the shore due to weather conditions or navigational errors.
- Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel is considered completely destroyed or beyond repair.(Wikipedia)