Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Daisy Day
- Type: Steam Barge
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: Jasper Hanson (Hanson & Scove)
- Dimensions: 103.4 ft × 20.7 ft; Beam; 7.6 ft depth
- Registered Tonnage: 146.86 GRT / 124.67 NRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Off Lee's Pier, near Little Point Sable, MI
- Original Owners: Jacobs & Guyles, Manitowoc
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden steambarge designed as a “lumber hooker”—anchored via hook in small ports without docks.
Description
Description
The Daisy Day is a wooden steambarge that was built in 1880. It was primarily used for transporting lumber and was designed to operate in shallow waters where traditional docking facilities were unavailable.
History
History
The Daisy Day had a tumultuous operational history, marked by several incidents including grounding and collisions. Notable events include:
- 1881: Lost rudder; collided and grounded in Two Rivers, WI.
- 1882: Grounded near Sturgeon Bay; lost cargo; broke shaft in Chicago, requiring Lifesaving Service aid.
- 1885–1889: Multiple strandings near Little Sable Point, narrowly escaping loss due to a sawmill fire.
Despite these challenges, the vessel continued to operate until its final voyage in 1891.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1881: Lost rudder; collided and grounded in Two Rivers, WI.
- 1882: Grounded near Sturgeon Bay; lost cargo; broke shaft in Chicago, requiring Lifesaving Service aid.
- 1885–1889: Multiple strandings near Little Sable Point; narrowly escaped loss due to sawmill fire.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
On October 11, 1891, while laden with lumber, the Daisy Day was caught in a gale off Lee’s Pier. A stiff offshore wind formed a sandbar, and mismanagement of the anchor line caused the vessel to drift aground and be battered into the pier by gale-force surf. The wreck broke apart and sank in shallow surf within 24 hours, with machinery salvaged shortly thereafter.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Daisy Day is partially exposed on a shifting sandbar off Clay Banks Township Park. It was first recorded by David Miesch in August 2003. The site features visible keel stringers, a boiler, partial frames, and a 5-ft diameter propeller blade lying 5–10 ft underwater, making it accessible for snorkeling or shallow SCUBA diving. The site is protected and valued for educational shore-diving visits.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”daisy-day-1880″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Daisy Day serves as a significant historical artifact, embodying the late-19th-century lumber transport and steambarge design. It offers educational value and is protected under Michigan wreck laws, making it an important site for public maritime history and archaeological study.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →