Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Experiment
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1854
- Builder: J.E. Stevens
- Dimensions: 65 ft (19.81 m) X 18 ft (5.49 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~50 tons
- Location: St. Joseph Harbor, Michigan
- Official Number: None assigned
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Experiment was a wooden two-masted schooner, built in 1854 at St. Joseph, Michigan by J.E. Stevens. The vessel measured approximately 65 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 6 feet, with a gross tonnage of around 50 tons.
Description
The schooner was primarily used for transporting goods, including firewood. It was involved in notable incidents, including a tragic capsizing in 1855 that resulted in the loss of four lives, and its final wreck in 1902 due to adverse weather conditions.
History
Experiment’s service history includes a significant capsizing incident on June 1, 1855, near St. Joseph Harbor, where it was caught in a sudden gale. The crew and passengers attempted to lower sails, but the vessel capsized, resulting in four fatalities, including the infant son of Captain Nelson Napier. The vessel was later wrecked on September 12, 1902, while carrying firewood. During a southwest gale, it lost control and was driven ashore in St. Joseph Harbor, leading to its declaration as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- June 1, 1855: Capsized near St. Joseph Harbor; 4 lives lost.
- September 12, 1902: Wrecked in St. Joseph Harbor due to gale and collision avoidance; all 6 aboard survived.
Final Disposition
After the 1902 wreck, Experiment was declared a total loss with damages estimated at around $600. Lifesaving crews rescued all six individuals aboard. The vessel was stripped of valuables shortly after the incident and subsequently abandoned in place.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was abandoned in St. Joseph Harbor after the 1902 incident. The site may be subject to natural deterioration and environmental factors.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”experiment-1854″ title=”References & Links”]
Experiment’s history reflects the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in relation to weather conditions and harbor hazards. The vessel’s two significant incidents highlight the importance of maritime safety and the risks inherent in sailing during adverse conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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