Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A.T. BLISS
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Length: 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 356 tons
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Official Number: U.S. Official Number 29925
- Original Owners: Sturgeon Bay Stone Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner-barge
Description
The A.T. BLISS was a wooden schooner-barge constructed in 1881. Measuring 137 feet (41.8 meters) in length with a beam of 26 feet (7.9 meters) and a depth of 12 feet (3.7 meters), she had a gross tonnage of 356 tons. Originally built as a schooner, she was converted into a schooner-barge in 1888 to better serve the demands of bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes.
History
Owned by the Sturgeon Bay Stone Company, the A.T. BLISS was primarily engaged in transporting stone and other bulk materials across the Great Lakes. On November 4, 1903, while en route from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, she was under tow by the tug SYDNEY SMITH. During a severe storm on Lake Michigan, the A.T. BLISS broke free from the tug and was overwhelmed by the heavy seas.
The car ferry PERE MARQUETTE 18 departed Ludington to assist and successfully rescued the two-man crew of the A.T. BLISS, preventing any loss of life. The vessel, however, was lost to the storm.
Significant Incidents
- November 4, 1903: The A.T. BLISS sank during a storm on Lake Michigan after breaking loose from her tow.
Final Disposition
The A.T. BLISS foundered in Lake Michigan during a storm on November 4, 1903, after breaking loose from her tow. Despite the successful rescue of her crew, the vessel was a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There is no available information indicating that the wreck of the A.T. BLISS has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bliss-us-29925″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the A.T. BLISS underscores the perils faced by maritime vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly during sudden and severe storms. While specific details about the vessel are limited, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history. Further research in regional archives and historical societies may uncover more information about this vessel.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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