Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Dana
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: Likely in Algonac, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Alabaster, Michigan
- Original Owners: Amelia Dana of Algonac
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George Dana was a wooden two-masted schooner primarily used for lumber transport.
Description
Built in 1869, the George Dana was designed for the lumber trade, reflecting the maritime commerce of the Great Lakes during the 19th century.
History
The George Dana embarked on her final voyage from Bay City, Michigan, bound for Detroit, under tow by the steamship Dubuque. On September 1, 1876, during a late-season gale, she parted from her tow and was driven ashore near Alabaster, Michigan, where she ultimately broke up.
Significant Incidents
- On September 1, 1876, the George Dana was battered ashore during a gale after parting from her tow.
- Despite the wreck, the crew survived, and much of the lumber cargo was salvaged by the tug Winslow.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the George Dana was reported to have broken up on the rocky shoreline, with significant portions of her cargo salvaged post-loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is likely shallow and may have been dismantled or buried by beach processes, with remnants possibly scattered along the shoreline.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-dana-1869″ title=”References & Links”]
The George Dana serves as an early example of the risks associated with towing practices in the transition from sail to steam power in Great Lakes commerce.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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