Kreetan – Lake Michigan Steamer Shipwreck (1939)

Explore the wreck of the Kreetan, a wooden gas-screw passenger vessel that sank in 1939 after a towing accident near Grand Haven, Michigan.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Kreetan
  • Type: Gas-screw passenger vessel (wooden hull)
  • Year Built: 1919
  • Builder: Johnswood (presumably Johnsburg), Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Approximately 1 mile south of Grand Haven, Lake Michigan
  • Official Number: 218060
  • Original Owners: I. J. Lyons (-1960s), Grand Haven, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type

The Kreetan was a gas-screw passenger vessel constructed with a wooden hull, designed for utility and passenger transport.

Description

Description

Built in 1919, the Kreetan served primarily in the Grand Haven area. The vessel was involved in towing operations at the time of its loss.

History

History

The Kreetan was owned by I. J. Lyons and operated from Grand Haven, Michigan. It was primarily used for passenger transport and utility services on Lake Michigan.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

  • On November 15, 1939, while engaged in a towing operation, the Kreetan was crushed between two scows, resulting in immediate sinking.
  • There were four crew members aboard at the time, all of whom escaped unharmed, with no recorded casualties.
  • The incident occurred without any cargo on board, categorizing it as a towing accident.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

The Kreetan sank quickly and is presumed to be a total loss. No formal salvage or archaeological work has been documented, and it is likely that the wreck remains submerged and unmapped in Lake Michigan.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site of the Kreetan is currently undocumented underwater, representing a potential target for future nautical archaeology and heritage documentation.

Resources & Links

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Conclusion

The Kreetan was a small wooden gas-screw passenger vessel that sank in 1939 after a towing accident. The wreck site offers opportunities for research and exploration to enhance understanding of its history and construction.

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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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