Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: H.M. SCOVE
• Type: three-masted wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Hanson & Scove, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Dimensions: 138.4 ft (42.18 m); Beam: 26.2 ft (7.99 m); Depth of hold: 10.3 ft (3.14 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 305.60 tons
• Location: Near Pilot Island, Lake Michigan
• Official Number: 95256
• Original Owners: Hanson & Scove, P.A. Stamm, O.M. Nelson, Edward Uhrig
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The H.M. SCOVE was a three-masted wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. These ships were primarily used for transporting bulk cargoes, such as lumber, grain, and coal, capitalizing on the region’s extensive maritime trade networks.

Description

Built in 1873 by Hanson & Scove in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the H.M. SCOVE was a typical Great Lakes schooner designed for durability and efficiency in cargo transport. Measuring 138.4 feet in length with a beam of 26.2 feet and a depth of 10.3 feet, she was optimized for carrying heavy loads while maintaining good sailing performance in the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

Her wooden hull and three-mast schooner rigging allowed her to operate effectively with a relatively small crew, a key factor in the economic viability of freight operations during this period.

History

The H.M. SCOVE had an active career on the Great Lakes, serving various owners and experiencing several notable incidents:

• 1873: Enrolled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 18, marking the start of her operational life in the bustling maritime trade of the western Great Lakes.
• 1876: Ownership transferred to P.A. Stamm of Milwaukee, reflecting her integration into the growing commercial fleet serving Wisconsin’s timber and grain industries.
• 1882 (Collision Incident): The H.M. SCOVE was involved in a collision off Dunkirk, New York, on Lake Erie with the schooner MIAMI BELLE. The incident resulted in damage to her jib boom and cathead, though she was repaired and returned to service shortly after.
• 1889: Owned by O.M. Nelson and associates in Milwaukee, continuing her service in the regional cargo trade.
• 1890: Ownership passed to Edward Uhrig and partners, also based in Milwaukee, suggesting the vessel remained active in transporting lumber and other commodities critical to the region’s economy.

Role in the Rescue of the SAGINAW Crew (1880)

The H.M. SCOVE played a heroic role in the aftermath of the 1880 disaster involving the schooner-barge SAGINAW. When the SAGINAW broke free from the tug ALANSON SUMNER during a severe gale off Port Stanley, Ontario, the SCOVE, under tow by the tug STRANGER, came upon the waterlogged wreck. The SCOVE’s crew managed to rescue the stranded sailors and even a sailor’s dog who had clung to the wreckage for over 20 hours in perilous conditions. This daring rescue highlights the camaraderie and bravery often displayed by mariners on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The H.M. SCOVE met her end on December 5, 1891, when she foundered in a storm off Pilot Island in the notorious Death’s Door Passage of Lake Michigan, a region infamous for shipwrecks due to its treacherous currents and sudden weather changes.

While carrying a load of lumber, the schooner was overwhelmed by the storm and sank in shallow water. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the crew survived the ordeal. However, the wreck broke apart over the following year, rendering the vessel a total loss.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the H.M. SCOVE likely remains in the waters near Pilot Island, although no specific modern discovery date is recorded. The area is a popular site for divers due to the high concentration of shipwrecks in Death’s Door Passage.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically reference the wreck of the H.M. SCOVE, but mariners navigating near Pilot Island should exercise caution due to numerous submerged hazards in the area.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The H.M. SCOVE’s wreck is likely scattered in the vicinity of Pilot Island, with divers advised to approach with caution due to the potential for submerged hazards and the wreck’s deteriorated state.

Resources & Links

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The H.M. SCOVE’s history is a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes schooners and their crews. From her role in maritime rescues to her tragic loss in the treacherous waters of Death’s Door, the SCOVE’s story embodies the perils and heroism that defined Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century. Her legacy lives on through historical records and the enduring fascination with the region’s rich maritime heritage.