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.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: A.T. BLISS
- Former Names: None recorded
- Registration Number(s): U.S. Official Number 29925
- Date Built and Launched: 1881
- Builder: Not specified
- Measurements including Rebuilds: Length: 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m); Gross Tonnage: 356 tons
- Date Lost, Destroyed, Abandoned: November 4, 1903
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.
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.
Located By & Date Found
There is no available information indicating that the wreck of the A.T. BLISS has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No navigational warnings or advisories have been issued concerning the A.T. BLISS.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: https://greatlakesrex.wordpress.com/alphabetical-shipwreck-list/b/
- SS Pere Marquette 18 – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Pere_Marquette_18
Conclusion
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.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: A.T. BLISS, Great Lakes shipwreck, schooner-barge, maritime history, 1903 shipwreck
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime Incidents, Wooden Schooner-Barges