Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alide J. Rogers
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 340.08 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 15.24 m / 50 ft
- Location: Approximately 6 miles from Old Mission Point
- Official Number: 1552
- Original Owners: Chicago, Illinois
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Alide J. Rogers was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its multiple masts and fore-and-aft rigged sails. This configuration made schooners versatile and efficient for transporting cargo such as iron ore across the Great Lakes. The Alide J. Rogers, with a tonnage of 340.08 tons, was sizable for its time and operated out of its home port in Chicago, Illinois.
Description
The schooner Alide J. Rogers was actively engaged in the shipping trade, playing a vital role in transporting goods across Lake Huron and other Great Lakes. Registered under U.S. number 1552, the vessel was listed in the Merchant Vessel List of 1871, highlighting its prominence in maritime commerce.
History
The ship met its tragic end while carrying a cargo of iron ore. On a fateful Sunday night, the Alide J. Rogers struck a reef near the Old Mission lighthouse in Lake Huron. Captain Frank Coulson and his crew sought refuge at the lighthouse as they attempted to secure their vessel. However, nature had other plans. The force of the wind dislodged the schooner from the reef, pushing it into deeper waters. Unable to recover control, the vessel ultimately sank approximately six miles from Old Mission Point in 50 feet of water.
Significant Incidents
- The Alide J. Rogers struck a reef near the Old Mission lighthouse.
- Captain Frank Coulson and crew attempted to secure the vessel but were unable to prevent its sinking.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Alide J. Rogers now lies on the lakebed in Lake Huron at a depth of 50 feet. Its cargo of iron ore and the vessel itself were reported to be well insured, mitigating the financial loss of the incident. The ship and its contents remain submerged, potentially serving as a point of interest for divers and maritime historians.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck, resting at a depth of 50 feet, is potentially accessible to recreational divers. The iron ore cargo and remnants of the schooner may still be present on the lakebed, though the extent of deterioration after years underwater is uncertain.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alide-j-rogers-us-1552″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The loss of the Alide J. Rogers is a testament to the perils faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Striking a reef and succumbing to the winds, the vessel now lies at rest in Lake Huron. Its story, preserved in historical records, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of maritime commerce in an era before modern navigational aids. Further exploration of the wreck could provide valuable insights into its construction, cargo, and final moments.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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