Hannah Selina (1853)

Explore the tragic story of the Hannah Selina, a wooden-hulled schooner lost in a storm on Lake Michigan in 1860, claiming all hands aboard.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Hannah Selina
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1853
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Hannah Selina was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.

Description

Built in 1853, the Hannah Selina was designed for the transportation of bulk goods, such as lumber, across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying heavy cargoes essential to the growing cities around the lakes. Specific details regarding her tonnage and dimensions are not available in the current records.

History

In mid-June 1860, the Hannah Selina departed from White Lake, Michigan, bound for Chicago with a cargo of lumber. During her voyage, she encountered a severe storm on Lake Michigan. The vessel was presumed to have been wrecked by the storm, resulting in the loss of all eight crew members aboard. The exact circumstances of the incident, including the specific location of the wreck and contributing factors, remain undocumented in the available sources.

Significant Incidents

  • Mid-June 1860: The Hannah Selina was lost during a storm on Lake Michigan, with all eight crew members perishing.

Final Disposition

Following the presumed wrecking during the storm, the Hannah Selina was declared a total loss. There is no information indicating that the wreck was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken. The absence of detailed records suggests that the incident, while tragic, may not have been widely reported at the time, contributing to the lack of comprehensive historical data.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Hannah Selina has been located or surveyed.

Resources & Links

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The Hannah Selina serves as a somber reminder of the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in 1860 underscores the perils of sudden storms and the challenges of navigation during that era. While the lack of detailed records limits our understanding of the specific circumstances surrounding her demise, the Hannah Selina remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan.

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Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

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