M.R. Warner (1873)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: M.R. Warner
• Type: Wooden three-masted schooner barge; consort to steamers
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: J.E. Shipbuilders, Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Sand Island, Lake Superior
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

A typical “consort” schooner-barge used on the Great Lakes: a large-rigged sailing vessel without its own propulsion (used under tow from steamers), built robustly to carry heavy bulk cargo—such as iron ore or lumber.

Description

At least three masts tall and of substantial size, the M.R. Warner carried tough cargo like iron ore and squared lumber. Earlier in her career, she endured ice damage and a collision in 1881, which required lightering of cargo and repairs.

History

• 1873–1881: Served in the iron ore and lumber trades; suffered ice damage in Lake Superior (May 1881) and a collision in Lake Michigan (October 1881), with repairs following.
• Post-1881: Resumed service as a cargo consort.
• October 1874: Stranded near Rock Falls, Michigan, on Lake Huron, requiring a major multi-week salvage operation.
• June 15, 1889: Enrollment and documentation officially surrendered after loss of vessel listing.
• November 3, 1893: While being towed by the steamer Superior, her towline parted during heavy weather. She drifted ashore on the west end of Sand Island (Lake Superior) and broke up amidships; some cargo was lost, crew rescued.

Significant Incidents

• Ice damage in May 1881 in Lake Superior.
• Collision in October 1881 in Lake Michigan.
• Stranded near Rock Falls, Michigan, in October 1874.
• Wrecked on November 3, 1893, on Sand Island.

Final Disposition

Driven ashore and wrecked on November 3, 1893, on Sand Island. The hull broke apart quickly; the wreck was subsequently salvaged and not considered recoverable thereafter.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No underwater rediscovery is recorded—the wreck was destroyed, salvaged, and legally removed by mid-1894; no remains exist today.

Resources & Links

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The M.R. Warner was a significant schooner-barge launched in 1873, serving as a consort in the iron ore and lumber trades. She endured several mishaps but continued in service until November 3, 1893, when she was blown ashore at Sand Island, Lake Superior, and wrecked beyond repair. Despite a dramatic career, none of her remains survive today—her story is remembered only in archived records.