Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Prince
- Type: Fishing Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Bradford Beach, north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type:
The Prince was a fishing schooner, a common vessel type on Lake Michigan during the 19th century, designed for commercial fishing.
Description
Description:
The Prince was a two-masted, wooden-hulled fishing schooner equipped with large decks for handling nets and storing the catch. These vessels were built to be sturdy and maneuverable to withstand the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.
History
History:
Fishing schooners like the Prince played a vital role in the commercial fishing industry on Lake Michigan, targeting species such as lake trout, whitefish, and perch. The Prince likely operated out of Milwaukee or nearby ports, conducting fishing expeditions along the western shoreline.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
– Rescue of the Alma Crew (1892): On May 18, 1892, the Prince rescued the three-man crew of the scow-schooner Alma, which had capsized in a blizzard-gale near Bradford Beach. The Alma was carrying gravel when it capsized in 15-20 feet of water. The crew clung to the upturned hull for hours before being rescued by the Prince, which underscores the maritime community’s reliance on one another during emergencies.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition:
While detailed records about the Prince are sparse, its involvement in the 1892 rescue highlights its significance in maritime safety and the commercial fishing industry on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility:
The current condition of the Prince is not documented, and further research into local maritime archives may provide more information about its construction and operational history.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”fishing-schooner-prince” title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion:
The fishing schooner Prince represents the unsung heroes of the Great Lakes maritime community, contributing to both the economic vitality of the region and playing critical roles in rescue efforts during maritime emergencies.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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