Ava Bradley US 1910

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Alva Bradley
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1870
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 190 ft (57.9 m); Width: 32 ft (9.8 m); Depth: 13 ft (4 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 9.1 m / 30 ft
• Location: South of North Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
• Coordinates: 45° 02.356′ N, 85° 59.116′ W
• Official Number: 1910
• Number of Masts: None remaining at the site

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Alva Bradley is classified as a schooner, a type of sailing vessel with fore-and-aft rigging, widely used for cargo transport in the 19th century.

Description

The Alva Bradley lies on a sandy shoal south of North Manitou Island. Natural forces have flattened much of the wreck, but major sections remain extant and visible. Notable features of the site include remnants of the hull and scattered wreckage. Additional rigging and other debris, reported approximately 200 yards northeast of the primary wreck site, are not part of the primary underwater model.

History

The Alva Bradley, a wooden schooner, was built in 1870 for use in the Great Lakes shipping trade. It carried bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and other goods crucial to the region’s economy. The vessel’s career ended in 1894 when it sank in Lake Michigan near North Manitou Island. This schooner is part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, showcasing the significance of these versatile vessels in 19th-century commerce. Over time, the wreck has succumbed to natural forces, altering its state and preserving its legacy as a historical and recreational site.

Significant Incidents

• Year Sank: 1894

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Alva Bradley is confirmed and remains a popular dive site due to its accessibility and historical significance.

Current Condition & Accessibility

At a depth of 30 ft (9.1 m), the site is accessible to divers of all skill levels. The shallow depth and clear waters around North Manitou Island make it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. Visibility is generally good, thanks to the sandy bottom and natural water clarity. The hull remnants and reported debris field northeast of the wreck site offer areas of exploration.

Resources & Links

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For those interested in maritime history and underwater exploration, the Alva Bradley provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a worthwhile dive site in Lake Michigan.