Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Emma Young
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Near Algonac, Michigan, St. Clair River
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Emma Young was a scow-schooner, a type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for hauling lumber, stone, and other bulk cargo. These vessels were popular due to their ability to operate in shallow waters and dock at unimproved shorelines.
Description
The Emma Young was a wooden scow-schooner, a vessel type characterized by its flat bottom and broad beam, designed for carrying heavy loads in shallow waters.
History
On August 21, 1871, the Emma Young was sailing near Algonac, Michigan, in the St. Clair River, when she collided with another vessel—likely the steamer Milton D. Ward. The impact caused the schooner to sink, though details on her crew, cargo, or specific circumstances remain unknown.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the steamer Milton D. Ward on August 21, 1871.
Final Disposition
No reports of salvage or recovery. Given the shallow waters of the St. Clair River, wreckage may have been removed or buried by sediment over time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility may be limited due to sedimentation and the river’s shallow nature.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”emma-young” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Both the Emma Young and Henry Young were scow-schooners, a common but less-documented vessel type used for hauling bulk materials on the Great Lakes. The Emma Young was lost to a collision in the St. Clair River in 1871, with no reports of salvage.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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