Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Flying Mist (1861)

Explore the wreck of the Flying Mist, a three-masted schooner that sank in Lake Michigan during a blizzard in 1883.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Flying Mist
  • Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
  • Year Built: 1861
  • Builder: Unknown (likely on Lake Huron)
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: Approximately 570 tons
  • Location: Near Burnham’s Pier, south of St. Ignace
  • Coordinates: Drifting off Arcadia
  • Original Owners: Thomas Hood of Chicago
  • Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Three-masted wooden schooner designed for iron ore transport.

Description

The Flying Mist was a three-masted wooden schooner built in 1861, primarily used for transporting iron ore across the Great Lakes. It was owned by Thomas Hood of Chicago and captained by John Dahl.

History

Built for iron ore transport on the Great Lakes, the Flying Mist played a significant role in connecting Lake Superior and Michigan ports to industrial harbors further south. The vessel was laden with approximately 570 tons of iron ore during its final voyage.

Significant Incidents

  • Dismasted during a sudden blizzard and gale on November 15, 1883, while crossing Lake Michigan.
  • Five crew members took the yawl and reached shore seeking help.
  • The disabled schooner drifted into shallows off Arcadia and sank, breaking up over the days that followed.
  • Two remaining sailors were later rescued by lifesaving crews.

Final Disposition

The Flying Mist sank near Burnham’s Pier, approximately eight miles south of St. Ignace. By November 20, 1883, the schooner had ‘gone to pieces,’ and recovery crews removed anchors and chain in June 1885.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is confirmed, but specific dive conditions and visibility details are not provided. Divers should prepare for potential challenges due to the wreck’s condition and location.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”flying-mist-1861″ title=”References & Links”]

The sinking of the Flying Mist highlights the risks faced by ore-laden schooners during late-season weather on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s loss serves as a reminder of the dangers of sudden storms and the importance of maritime safety.

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.

(3-masted schooner; built 1861)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Built: 1861 (likely on Lake Huron; precise yard not identified)
  • Type: Three-masted wooden schooner (iron ore carrier)
  • Loss Date: November 15, 1883
  • Voyage: Upbound from St. Ignace (Straits of Mackinac) to Chicago, laden with approximately 570 tons of iron ore
  • Incident Location: Drifting off Arcadia, Lake Michigan – sank near Burnham’s Pier (~eight miles south of St. Ignace) (turn0search2)

Incident Details & Final Disposition

  • Flying Mist was dismasted during a sudden blizzard and gale on November 15, 1883 while crossing Lake Michigan
  • Five crew members took the yawl and reached shore seeking help
  • The disabled schooner drifted into shallows off Arcadia and sank, breaking up over the days that followed
  • Two remaining sailors were later rescued by lifesaving crews (turn0search1, turn0search2)

Vessel Role & Ownership

  • Built for iron ore transport on the Great Lakes, tying Lake Superior/Michigan ports to industrial harbors further south
  • Owned by Thomas Hood of Chicago
  • Master: Capt. John Dahl
  • The loss reflects the significant risk ore schooners faced entering the straits and crossing Lake Michigan during late-season weather

Aftermath & Notable Facts

  • The schooner “went to pieces” by November 20, 1883; recovery crews later removed anchors and chain in June 1885 (turn0search1)
  • The rescue effort involved the U.S. Life-Saving Service, including Point Betsie station responding to distress signals from the lee side of the lake (turn0search2)

Research Gaps & Suggested Follow-Up

  • Crew roster & survivor testimony via Lighthouse Board or Life-Saving Service station logs (St. Ignace, Point Betsie, Arcadia)
  • Local newspaper accounts from Manistee and Arcadia (Nov 1883) may detail the rescue and sinking
  • Underwriter claim logs in Chicago (Thomas Hood’s insurer) for lost value and vessel condition prior to sinking

Conclusion

The Flying Mist capsized in a fierce late-November storm on Lake Michigan, leaving five crew to desperately row ashore while the crippled vessel drifted until being wrecked south of Arcadia. Two men remained aboard but were rescued days later by life-saving crews. This incident exemplifies the vulnerability of ore-laden schooners to sudden blizzards and loss of masts—culminating in total loss by late 1883.

flying-mist-1861 1883-11-15 01:28:00