Grace A. Channon US 85309

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Grace A. Channon
• Type: Canal Schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 141 ft (42.98 m) X 26 ft (7.92 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.66 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 62.48 m / 205 ft
• Location: Lake Michigan, Wisconsin
• Coordinates: 42° 55.77′ N, 87° 36.12′ W
• Official Number: 85309

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Grace A. Channon was a wooden canal schooner designed for the unique demands of canal and inland shipping, making it a versatile cargo carrier on the Great Lakes.

Description

The wreck lies at a significant depth and is characterized by a relatively intact hull and aft cabin. Key features include:

• Masts and piles of wire rigging on site but not standing.
• Collision damage visible on the port bow.
• Presence of two wood stock anchors, catheads, and a windlass.
• Rudder steering machinery and a capstan.
• Centerboard winch and bilge pump.
• Posts from the mainmast fife rail.
• A partially intact aft cabin with remnants of the roof.

The wreck’s condition was documented extensively using archival photomosaic video from 2008, offering invaluable insights into its preservation.

History

The Grace A. Channon was built in 1873 and tragically sank in 1877 following a collision. The collision damage on the port bow remains evident on the wreck. For more detailed history and archival resources, refer to Wisconsin Shipwrecks and Great Lakes Ships.

Significant Incidents

• 1877: Sank following a collision, resulting in visible damage on the port bow.

Final Disposition

The wreck is confirmed and lies at a depth of 205 ft in Lake Michigan, Wisconsin. No obstructions or specific navigational hazards have been noted, but diving at this depth requires advanced technical training due to decompression limits and cold temperatures.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is relatively intact, with significant features preserved. It is accessible to divers with the appropriate training and equipment.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the wreck of the Grace A. Channon, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and be the diver that makes a difference.