Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. S. Seaverns
- Type: wooden propeller-driven passenger/package freighter (steam barge)
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: J. L. Wolverton
- Dimensions: 130 ft (39.6 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: approx. 173 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18.3 m / 60 ft
- Location: near Michipicoten Island, northern Lake Superior
- Official Number: US 76152
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally a sidewheel tug, later reconstructed with her hull undergirding a steam-propeller vessel. Designed to carry mixed cargo (grain, machinery, provisions) and passengers along Lake Superior. Wooden-hulled with steam propulsion and one propeller—adapted for package freight service.
Description
The J. S. Seaverns was a 130-foot wooden propeller-driven passenger/package freighter, originally built as a sidewheel tug. It was designed for mixed cargo transport and passenger service on Lake Superior, showcasing mid-19th-century shipbuilding techniques.
History
On May 12, 1884, the J. S. Seaverns was bound from Chicago to Port Arthur, Ontario, carrying miscellaneous cargo, including pork, potatoes, and machinery for the Canadian Pacific Railway. The vessel struck a rock while backing away from the harbor landing at Michipicoten, grounded, and was subsequently pulled free by a tug. However, it foundered and sank upright in approximately 10 fathoms of water. All crew and passengers, totaling around 60, were rescued without casualties.
Significant Incidents
- May 12, 1884: Struck a rock while backing away from the harbor landing at Michipicoten, leading to grounding and eventual sinking.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the J. S. Seaverns was rediscovered in the summer of 2016 by a dive team using sonar and ROV/video. The site is exceptionally well-preserved, with lower cabins intact and artifacts like dishes and chairs remaining in place. The wreck is settled evenly on the bottom, and the cold, low-mussel environment of Lake Superior has prevented significant biological degradation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is in an exceptionally well-preserved state, with lower cabins intact and artifacts still in situ. The site remains unpublished to protect its archaeological integrity.
Resources & Links
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The J. S. Seaverns represents a remarkable convergence of mid-century wooden shipbuilding, adaptive reuse, and steam-era maritime commerce. Her well-preserved remains offer a unique archaeological time capsule, with potential for further study to yield insights into Great Lakes shipping history and 19th-century naval architecture.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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