Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Floretta
- Type: Wooden canal schooner
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: John Stupinsky
- Dimensions: 134 ft × 26 ft × 11 ft (40.8 × 7.9 × 3.4 m); ~260 GRT
- Registered Tonnage: 9688
- Location: Approximately 6 miles (10 km) southeast of Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 9688
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Floretta was a wooden canal schooner, specifically rigged for towing along canal networks, exemplifying sturdy designs later adapted for open-lake trade routes.
Description
The Floretta was built in 1868 in Detroit, Michigan, by John Stupinsky. She measured 134 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11 feet. The vessel was registered at approximately 260 gross registered tons.
History
In June 1885, the Floretta was chartered to haul iron ore from Escanaba to Chicago. On 18 September 1885, while en route, she encountered heavy seas that compromised her hull, leading to rapid flooding. The crew abandoned ship shortly before she sank beneath the waves.
Significant Incidents
- Date Lost: 18 September 1885
- Cause: Sprang a leak during heavy seas; sank rapidly after being abandoned by the crew.
- Loss of Life: None reported.
Final Disposition
The Floretta sank intact in deep water southeast of Manitowoc. The site has not yet been conclusively surveyed, but her remains are believed to lie in Lake Michigan’s depths, likely resting in 30–60 m (100–200 ft) of water.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck presents a promising target for technical surveys, given its known approximate location and condition reports. However, there has been no modern rediscovery or confirmation dives.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”floretta-us-9688″ title=”References & Links”]
The Floretta (1868–1885) represents a compelling opportunity for further research or deep technical diving, as her remains rest uncharted yet potentially well-preserved in sanctuary waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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