Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Dot (formerly Mary Merritt)
- Type: Wooden schooner or schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1865
- Builder: St. Catharines, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: null
- Depth at Wreck Site: 106 m / 350 ft
- Location: Lake Superior, off Grand Marais, Michigan
- Coordinates: unknown
- Official Number: null
- Original Owners: null
- Number of Masts: null
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner or schooner-barge, primarily used for transporting iron ore.
Description
The Dot, originally named Mary Merritt, was a wooden vessel built in 1865. It was designed for cargo transport, specifically iron ore, and was under tow when it sank.
History
Built in St. Catharines, Ontario, the Dot had a service history typical of the era, engaging in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. It was towed by the steam barge M.M. Drake at the time of its loss.
Significant Incidents
- August 25, 1883: While under tow by M.M. Drake, Dot began taking on water during a violent storm. The captain signaled distress, and all crew members were rescued by Drake before Dot sank.
Final Disposition
Dot sank rapidly in deep water, now believed to be over 350 feet deep. It was declared a total loss, with no salvage attempted.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck remains undiscovered and is believed to lie at around 350+ feet of water off Grand Marais. No physical surveying has been reported, and her remains have not been documented or confirmed by modern divers or researchers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”dot-ex-mary-merritt” title=”References & Links”]
This incident highlights the dangers of late-summer iron ore tows on Lake Superior, particularly for wooden hulls susceptible to storm damage. The M.M. Drake, known for its history of towing heavy vessels, played a crucial role in rescuing the crew of Dot.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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