Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alfred P. Wright
- Type: Wood Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 286 ft (87.17 m); 41.5 ft (12.65 m); 22 ft (6.71 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 6.1 m / 20 ft
- Location: Lake Superior, Michigan
- Coordinates: N 46° 57.935′, W 88° 26.529′
- Official Number: 106539
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Alfred P. Wright was a wooden bulk freighter designed for transporting heavy cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
The wreck site of the Alfred P. Wright is largely buried in sand and consists mainly of the bottom hull structure. The most prominent feature is the bottom of the hull, while the sides appear broken and are mostly buried. Notable artifacts include the engine bed, shaft log, and steel strapping.
History
The Alfred P. Wright was built in 1888 and sank in 1915 in Lake Superior. The exact circumstances of its sinking are unclear, but it may have been due to structural stress, bad weather, or navigational mishaps.
Significant Incidents
- Sank in 1915 in Lake Superior.
- Possible causes of sinking include structural stress, bad weather, or navigational mishaps.
Final Disposition
The wreck is confirmed and lies at a depth of 20 ft (6.10 m), making it accessible to divers and snorkelers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing artifacts or structural remains. Visibility is typically excellent, although sediment and weather can affect clarity.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alfred-p-wright-us-106539″ title=”References & Links”]
The Alfred P. Wright serves as an important site for education and maritime archaeology, showcasing the construction techniques of wooden bulk freighters during the late 19th century.
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.
Shipwreck Report: Alfred P. Wright
Identification & Site Information
- Name(s): Alfred P. Wright
- Registry: U.S.
- Official Number: 106539
- Vessel Type: Wood Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1888
- Year Sank: 1915
- Hull Material: Wood
- Engines: None (freighter powered by tow)
- Dimensions
- Length: 286 ft (87.17 m)
- Width: 41.5 ft (12.65 m)
- Depth: 22 ft (6.71 m)
Vessel History
The Alfred P. Wright was a large wooden bulk freighter built in 1888, designed to transport heavy cargo such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. Wooden freighters like the Wright were significant in the transition from sail to steam-powered and steel-hulled shipping, though many were still towed by steamers.
The vessel sank in 1915 in Lake Superior, near Michigan. While specific details of its sinking are unclear, its loss may have been due to structural stress, bad weather, or a navigational mishap—common hazards faced by wooden bulk freighters of the era.
For more historical details:
3D Model Alfred P. Wright
Alfred Wright by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Wreck Site Information
- Lake: Lake Superior
- State/Province: Michigan
- Depth: 20 ft (6.10 m)
- GPS Coordinates: N 46° 57.935′, W 88° 26.529′
Site Description:
The Alfred P. Wright wreck site is largely buried in sand and consists mainly of the bottom hull structure:
• Hull Remnants:
• Bottom of Hull: The most prominent feature of the site.
• Sides: Appear broken and are mostly buried in sand.
• Notable Artifacts and Features:
• Engine Bed: The foundation where the engine was mounted, still visible.
• Shaft Log: A structural element housing the propeller shaft, extant on the site.
• Steel Strapping: Partially visible on the starboard side, a feature reinforcing the wooden hull.
Diving Notes & Advisories
• Depth Consideration:
At a shallow depth of 20 ft (6.10 m), the wreck is accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.
• Visibility:
Lake Superior’s clear, cold waters typically provide excellent visibility, though sediment and weather conditions can occasionally reduce clarity.
• Preservation Status:
The site is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing artifacts or structural remains.
Site Significance
The Alfred P. Wright provides a valuable glimpse into the construction and operation of wooden bulk freighters during the late 19th century. Its intact bottom hull and visible artifacts such as the engine bed, shaft log, and steel strapping demonstrate the techniques used to reinforce and operate large wooden ships during an era of rapid industrial expansion on the Great Lakes.
The shallow location and accessibility of the wreck make it a significant site for education, recreational diving, and maritime archaeology, preserving the legacy of wooden bulk freighters in the Great Lakes shipping industry.
Keywords:
Alfred P. Wright shipwreck, Lake Superior wrecks, wooden bulk freighters, Great Lakes maritime history, shallow wreck dives, shipbuilding reinforcement techniques.
alfred-p-wright-us-106539 1915-03-14 07:54:00