Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Belle Laurie
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1876
- Builder: Laurie, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: 60 ft (18.3 m); Beam: 16 ft (4.9 m); Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 36 gross tons; 34 net tons
- Location: Garrett Bay, northern tip of Door County, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Official Number: 3042
- Original Owners: W.G. Manney, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Belle Laurie was a wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities across the lakes.
Description
Built in 1876 by Laurie in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the Belle Laurie measured 60 feet (18.3 meters) in length, with a beam of 16 feet (4.9 meters) and a depth of 6 feet (1.8 meters). She had a gross tonnage of 36 and a net tonnage of 34. Designed for the lumber trade, she was a modestly sized vessel capable of navigating the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
History
On August 10, 1894, the Belle Laurie was en route to Milwaukee with a cargo of cedar posts. While navigating the waters of Lake Michigan near the northern tip of Door County, she encountered a severe storm. The vessel lost her deck load of posts, sprang a leak, and foundered in Garret Bay. Despite settling in the mud at the bottom, the owner, W.G. Manney of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, stated that she was not totally wrecked but decided against salvaging her. Subsequently, on August 24, 1894, the Belle Laurie was taken to Green Bay, where she was dismantled and abandoned.
Significant Incidents
- August 10, 1894: Foundered during a storm in Garrett Bay, Lake Michigan.
- August 24, 1894: Dismantled and abandoned in Green Bay.
Final Disposition
After the incident, the Belle Laurie was declared a total loss. She was dismantled and abandoned in Green Bay on August 24, 1894.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Belle Laurie has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”belle-laurie-us-3042″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Belle Laurie serves as a testament to the challenges faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in a sudden storm underscores the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions that could arise on Lake Michigan. The decision to dismantle and abandon the vessel reflects the economic considerations of the time, where salvaging a damaged ship was not always deemed worthwhile.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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