Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Charles A. King
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 139 ft (42 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
- Location: Off Presque Isle, Michigan
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A classic Great Lakes wooden schooner, built in 1878 at 139 ft (42 m) in length, rigged with two masts for hauling bulk cargo—primarily coal. Schooners of this size typically had a crew of six and were robustly built for mid-lake voyages.
Description
The Charles A. King was a wooden two-masted schooner designed for bulk cargo transport. It was primarily used to carry coal across the Great Lakes, showcasing the maritime trade of the late 19th century.
History
Served nearly 17 years as a dependable schooner in Great Lakes freight trade. On her final voyage in September 1895, she was carrying a full load of coal bound for Michigan ports. Encountered a severe northeast gale which led to foundering off Presque Isle.
Significant Incidents
- September 26, 1895: The Charles A. King sank during a severe northeast gale while carrying coal.
- All six crew members were rescued with no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The schooner sprang a severe leak during the gale and rapidly filled. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued—there were no casualties. The Charles A. King sank stern-first, settling intact in deep water.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in over 200 feet of water, generally intact with a timber structure remaining. The coal cargo is still present, making it a significant site for technical divers.
Resources & Links
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The Charles A. King offers a remarkable technical dive opportunity: a deep, intact schooner resting in Lake Huron’s depths since her foundering in the 1895 NE gale. Its preservation in cold freshwater and cargo of coal make it a historically significant and visually compelling wreck for advanced divers.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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