Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Geo. Steele
- Type: wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Asa B. Wilcox
- Dimensions: ~137 × 26 × 10 ft; 271 GRT / 257 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 271 GRT / 257 NRT
- Location: Offshore reef, Oscoda, Michigan
- Official Number: 10211
- Original Owners: Out of Chicago
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wood-hulled, two-deck schooner built for Great Lakes trade, likely transporting grain, lumber, or bulk cargo.
Description
The Geo. Steele, also known as George Steele, was constructed in 1855 and had a robust service life, including a rebuild in 1878 and major repairs in 1883. It was registered out of Chicago.
History
Initially built for Great Lakes trade, the Geo. Steele experienced a significant service life, indicating active use into its late years. The vessel’s final voyage was marked by a common hazard in mid-Lake Huron, where it ran aground during a gale.
Significant Incidents
- Struck Date: October 14, 1898
- Location: Ran onto an inshore reef near Oscoda, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Incident: Driven onto reef by heavy gale; remained in place and broke up on October 22, 1898
- Casualties: None reported
Final Disposition
The Geo. Steele grounded on a reef in mid-October and shattered over eight days of relentless wave action. No salvage or hull recovery followed; the wreck was abandoned in situ and confirmed lost.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is confirmed lost with no reported injuries or fatalities. It remains in situ, having broken up over the reef.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”geo-steele-us-10211″ title=”References & Links”]
Research opportunities include exploring insurance and salvage records, local newspaper archives from October 1898, and shipping agent logs that may provide further insights into the vessel’s final days.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →