Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lilly May
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: J. Hanson, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~192 GRT / ~182 NRT
- Location: Presumably Lake Michigan or Lake Superior
- Official Number: 15872
- Original Owners: Likely private or commercial freight; specific owners at loss unknown
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
Description
Lilly May was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1869 by J. Hanson in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The vessel was primarily used as a bulk cargo carrier, likely transporting lumber, coal, or grain.
History
The Lilly May was constructed with a single deck and three masts, designed for freight transport. The vessel’s ownership at the time of loss is not well-documented, but it was likely involved in private or commercial freight operations.
Significant Incidents
- On May 16, 1905, the Lilly May was carrying a heavy cargo when its hull failed, leading to a rapid sinking.
- The crew successfully abandoned the vessel without injury.
- The wreck was deemed a navigational hazard and was dynamited in the spring of 1905 to clear the wreckage.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Lilly May was completely removed from the waterway, and no known remains exist for survey or exploration.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the site of the Lilly May is presumed to be in Lake Michigan or Lake Superior, but specific site data is unavailable due to the quick sinking and subsequent explosive clearance.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lilly-may-lillie-e-lilly-e-us-15872″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Lilly May highlights the vulnerabilities of aging wooden vessels under heavy loads, a significant concern in Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century. Although no physical remains are present, the incident serves as a reminder of the maritime safety challenges faced by cargo vessels of that era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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