Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Eureka US 8894

Explore the submerged remains of the Eureka, a wooden schooner lost in 1878, now resting in Lake Superior’s depths, rich in historical significance.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Eureka
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1872
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length: 138 ft (42.06 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.66 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 16.76 m / 55 ft
  • Location: Lake Superior, Michigan
  • Coordinates: 46° 50.029′ N, 085° 10.808′ W
  • Official Number: 8894

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Eureka was a wooden schooner designed for transporting heavy cargo across the Great Lakes, primarily iron ore.

Description

The wreck of the Eureka is heavily buried under iron ore and sand, with limited portions of the structure visible. Notable features include portions of the keel and sections of the sides. The site is less visually striking due to the burial but holds significant historical context.

History

Constructed in 1872, the Eureka sank in 1878, likely due to the hazards of navigation and weather conditions prevalent on the Great Lakes. The ship was carrying iron ore at the time of its sinking, which may have contributed to its loss. The wreck now lies at the bottom of Lake Superior, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels during this period.

Significant Incidents

  • The Eureka sank on March 14, 1878, while navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Eureka remains submerged in Lake Superior, contributing to the underwater heritage of the region and is part of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site is accessible to recreational divers at a depth of 55 ft (16.76 m). However, visibility may be affected by shifting sands and iron ore deposits. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and avoid disturbing its fragile remains.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”eureka-us-8894″ title=”References & Links”]

The Eureka provides insight into the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century and remains a significant historical artifact for maritime enthusiasts and historians alike.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Identification & Site Information:

  • Name(s): Eureka
  • Registry: US
  • Official Number: 8894
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1872
  • Year Sank: 1878
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: None
  • Dimensions: Length: 138 ft (42.06 m) Width: 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)

Vessel History:

The Eureka was a wooden schooner constructed in 1872, designed to transport heavy cargo such as iron ore across the Great Lakes. It sank in 1878, with iron ore cargo likely contributing to its loss. Although specific details of the sinking are scarce, such incidents were common due to the hazards of navigation and weather on the lakes. The ship’s remnants now lie at the bottom of Lake Superior, serving as a testament to the challenging conditions faced by schooners during this era.

For more detailed historical information, visit:

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

Wreck Site Information:

  • •Location: Lake Superior
  • State/Province: Michigan
  • Depth: 55 ft (16.76 m)
  • GPS Coordinates: 46° 50.029′ N, 085° 10.808′ W

• Site Description:

The wreck is heavily buried by iron ore and sand, leaving limited portions of the structure visible. Features include:

• Portions of the keel

• Sections of the sides

Due to the burial of most of the wreck, the site is less visually striking but remains significant for its historical context and is a point of interest within the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

Notmars & Advisories:

The depth of 55 ft makes the site accessible to recreational divers. Shifting sands and iron ore deposits may affect visibility and accessibility to certain features of the wreck. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and avoid further disturbance to its fragile remains.

Resources & Links:

Keywords:

Eureka, Schooner, Lake Superior, Shipwreck, Whitefish Point, Iron Ore, Michigan, Historical Wreck, Wooden Hull.

The Eureka provides a glimpse into the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century and remains a significant historical artifact for maritime enthusiasts and historians alike.

eureka-us-8894 1878-03-14 07:54:00