Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Frankie Wilcox
- Type: Wood-hulled scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1865
- Builder: Hayes in Fairport, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: approximately 230 tons
- Location: Around 3.5 miles north of Manistee, Michigan
- Official Number: 9204
- Number of Masts: Three-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Frankie Wilcox is classified as a wood-hulled scow-schooner, a vessel type notable for its unique design and functionality in timber transportation on the Great Lakes.
Description
Originally built as a scow-brig, the Frankie Wilcox was one of the few vessels of its kind on the Great Lakes. It was designed to carry heavy loads, particularly lumber, and was equipped with three masts.
History
The vessel was rebuilt in 1873 after prior service and was capable of carrying substantial cargo, including 85,000 board feet of lumber, shingles, and cedar posts on its final voyage. This load was significant for a vessel of its configuration.
Significant Incidents
- After loading lumber at Frankfort, MI on October 17, the Frankie Wilcox departed under tow by the tug Williams, bound for Manistee.
- During her approach in rising winds, she became unmanageable, broke free of towing lines, and drifted ashore.
- She was pounded to pieces on the shoreline—reported ashore and “a total wreck by the 4th.”
- All but one crew member were rescued; a group of lifesavers led by Captain Gnewuch of Manistee conducted the rescue and was later awarded a gold medal for heroism.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Frankie Wilcox is located on the shoreline approximately 3.5 miles north of Manistee, Michigan. The vessel was reported to have been completely destroyed by the waves, with remains likely scattered along the beach.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is expected to contain heavily broken hull pieces, fasteners, and remnants of cargo, mostly dispersed by wave action. A survey proposal includes shoreline surveys using metal detection and mapping debris scatter, as well as side-scan sonar and magnetometer surveys in nearshore waters.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”frankie-wilcox-us-9204″ title=”References & Links”]
The Frankie Wilcox serves as a significant historical and cultural artifact, exemplifying the timber-hauling vessels of the late 19th century and highlighting the dangers of Great Lakes navigation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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