Cris Grover (1878)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Cris Grover
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1878
• Builder: Lorain, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 16.15 m / 53 ft
• Location: Near Split Rock Island, Lake Superior
• Original Owners: Jacob Weiner
• Number of Masts: Three-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Cris Grover was a three-masted wooden schooner, primarily used for transporting lumber and mining supplies. It was known as a ‘powder boat’ due to its frequent carriage of dynamite to mining camps.

Description

Launched in 1878 at Lorain, Ohio, the Cris Grover was designed for the lumber and mining support trades. It had a notable role in transporting explosives, which was critical for mining operations in the region.

History

The vessel had a tumultuous operational history, including a grounding incident in 1880 near AuSable, Michigan, where it was declared a total loss but later salvaged. A tragic event occurred during the rescue operations of this incident, resulting in the death of a local judge when a breeches-buoy cannon exploded.

Significant Incidents

• 1880: Ran ashore near AuSable, Michigan, loaded with limestone. Declared a total loss but later salvaged and returned to service.
• Fatality: A local judge was killed during a breeches-buoy rescue after the 1880 stranding.

Final Disposition

On October 24, 1899, the Cris Grover ran aground on a reef near Split Rock Island in Lake Superior amid fog or gale conditions. The crew abandoned the ship, which was deemed not worth salvaging. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The wreck remains on the lake bottom, with the hull and anchor visible to divers at approximately 53 feet.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is accessible to divers, with the intact hull and anchor still present. The site offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region and is a popular dive destination.

Resources & Links

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This wreck stands out because it survived multiple groundings and returned to service, tragically caused a civilian fatality in 1880, and became a popular dive site after wrecking on Split Rock Island in 1899. It thus offers rich material for folklore, safety innovations (like breeches-buoy nets), and underwater archaeology.