Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Dart
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: H. L. Turner
- Dimensions: 57 ft (17.37 m); 16 ft; 6 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 26.35 GRT
- Location: ½ mile north of Two Rivers Harbor
- Coordinates: approx. 44° 9.427′ N / 87° 32.530′ W
- Official Number: 6658
- Original Owners: A.B. Melendy; later Packard & Larson, Manitowoc, WI
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type & Rig: Two-masted wooden schooner, fore-and-aft rig
Description
The Dart was a two-masted wooden schooner built in 1867, primarily used for transporting fruit, particularly apples. It measured 57 feet in length, 16 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 6 feet, with a registered tonnage of approximately 26.35 gross tons.
History
The Dart had a varied operational history, including grounding incidents and ownership changes. It was purchased by Packard & Larson in 1877 and underwent a structural rebuild in 1880. Notably, it was reported possibly wrecked near Two Rivers in December 1882 but returned to service shortly thereafter.
Significant Incidents
- 1869, April 1: Aground on Stoney Island Reef; refloated with minor damage.
- 1870, June 23: Rammed a fishing boat, continued voyage without delay.
- 1882, December: Reported possibly wrecked near Two Rivers; later returned to service.
Final Disposition
On October 28, 1883, during a gale, the Dart dropped anchor but the anchor line parted, causing the vessel to drift ashore and ground in the surf zone. The Two Rivers Life-Saving Station responded quickly, ensuring the crew was safe and salvaging the cargo. Salvage efforts continued until November 2, when they were abandoned, and the wreck gradually broke apart in the surf.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The grounding occurred in shallow surf conditions, and over the decades, wave action, ice, and shifting sands likely destroyed or buried the remains. Archaeological potential is minimal, with no known submerged structural remains identified.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”dart-us-6658″ title=”References & Links”]
The Dart’s loss underscores the risks faced by small coastal schooners in the late Lake Michigan season and highlights the effective response of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, showcasing the resilience of life-saving crews before modern Coast Guard services.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →