Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Flora
- Type: Fish Tug
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: 45 ft (13.72 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4.57 m / 15 ft
- Location: Northport Harbor, Michigan
- Original Owners: Changed hands twice; abandoned in harbor
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
45-foot wooden fish tug.
Description
Description
The Flora was a wooden fish tug built in 1889 in Saugatuck, Michigan. It is currently located in Northport Harbor, approximately 200 yards from the marina, in shallow water around 15 feet deep.
History
History
The Flora changed ownership twice before being abandoned in the harbor. It sank during an unrecorded storm, leaving behind only the boiler, a hull side, and part of the propeller shaft.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Sank during an unrecorded storm.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
Only the boiler, a section of one hull side, and part of the propeller shaft remain visible at the site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible for shallow dives and snorkeling, with seasonal clarity. Some zebra mussel coverage is present, but the features remain visible. Caution is advised due to sharp metal and rubble.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”flora-1889″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Flora offers a unique opportunity for novice divers and snorkelers to explore a piece of local history, connecting with the fishing traditions of the area.
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.
Flora (45′ Fish Tug)
- Location: Northport Harbor, Michigan (approx. 200 yd from marina, in shallow water ~15 ft deep)
- Built: 1889, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Vessel Type: 45‑foot wooden fish tug
- Ownership:Changed hands twice; abandoned in harbor
- Fate:Sank during an unrecorded storm—only boiler, a hull side, and part of the propeller shaft remain
Site Conditions & Remains
- Surviving Structure: Boiler, part of one hull side, plus a section of the propeller shaft
- Depth: Around 12–18 ft—ideal for shallow dives and snorkeling
- Access & Visibility: Seasonal clarity; some zebra mussel coverage, but features still visible
Site Features & Hazards
- Identifiable Features: Boiler on its side, visible rib frames, hull remnants, and driveshaft
- Biofouling: Moderate zebra mussel encrustation—details remain discernible
- Caution: Be aware of sharp metal and rubble—dive boots advised
Educational & Preservation Value
- Heritage: Connects with local fishing traditions and Northport history
- Community Appeal: Ideal for snorkelers, novice divers, and photogrammetry enthusiasts
- Research Utility: Builds baseline for monitoring shallow wreck condition
Shotline Diving’s Recommendations
- Ideal for Beginners: Perfect for introductory wreck dives and swimming access
- Site Interpretation: Include interpretive briefing about local fishing heritage
- Public Engagement: Consider guided snorkeling outings with community dive clubs
- Model Integration: Embed the 3D photogrammetry model for immersive storytelling
3D Photogrammetry Model
This incredible underwater reconstruction was created by Andrew Goodman (GLSPS) using 476 high-resolution images taken in 2025. Visualize the wreck in stunning detail and explore the boiler, rib frames, and shaft—all captured in full 3D!
Explore the *Flora* in 3D
Sources & Acknowledgements
- 3DShipwrecks Flora Model (Andrew Goodman, GLSPS) – Jun 3, 2025sketchfab.comumsatshow.org
- NAS “Survey of a Wreck at Northport: The Flora?” (Becktell et al., 2016) – includes excavation maps & site reportacademia.eduartsci.tamu.edu
- Side-Scan Sonar Discoveries in Northport Harbor – NAS Field School (2015)upnorthlive.com
- Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum – Stef Staley’s support citedleelanau.com
- 3DShipwrecks – Flora