Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

M. Stalker US 17211

Explore the well-preserved wreck of the M. Stalker, a 19th-century schooner resting in Lake Huron, showcasing key features of historical maritime design.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: M. Stalker
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1863
  • Builder: Henry Kelley
  • Dimensions: Length 135 ft (41.15 m); Beam 25 ft (7.62 m); Depth of hold 10 ft (3.05 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 25.91 m / 85 ft
  • Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
  • Coordinates: 45° 47.620′ N, 084° 41.062′ W
  • Official Number: 17211
  • Number of Masts: One visible on the wreck site

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The M. Stalker is classified as a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rigging and typically two or more masts.

Description

The wreck of the M. Stalker lies upright on the lakebed and remains largely intact forward. While the transom and stern cabin are missing, the forward and mid-ship decking are well-preserved. Key features visible on the site include:

  • Windlass and Centerboard Winch: Reflecting the ship’s functional role in cargo transport.
  • Rigging: Some sections remain off the starboard side.
  • Main Mast Fife Rail: Still extant, indicating where crew managed sail controls.

History

The M. Stalker was a wooden-hulled schooner constructed in 1863 by Henry Kelley in Milan, Ohio. Designed as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, schooners like the M. Stalker were essential for transporting goods such as lumber, grain, and coal during the 19th century.

The vessel had no documented rebuilds during its service, indicating it likely remained close to its original design until its sinking in 1886. Though details of its sinking are sparse, the schooner reportedly sank during a storm in Lake Huron. No lives were reported lost, and the remains now provide insight into schooner design and cargo transport during the mid-19th century.

Significant Incidents

  • The M. Stalker sank during a storm in Lake Huron in 1886.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the M. Stalker is part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, divers are urged to respect the site, leaving artifacts undisturbed. Visibility conditions in Lake Huron can vary, influenced by seasonal and weather changes.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”m-stalker-us-17211″ title=”References & Links”]

Divers with advanced training can explore the M. Stalker, which offers a glimpse into 19th-century maritime history and the design of cargo vessels of the Great Lakes.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Shipwreck Profile: M. Stalker

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): M. Stalker
  • Registry: U.S.
  • Official Number: 17211
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Builder: Henry Kelley
  • Place Built: Milan, Ohio
  • Year Built: 1863
  • Year Sank: 1886
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Masts: One visible on the wreck site
  • Engines: None (sail-powered vessel)
  • Dimensions
  • Length: 135 ft (41.15 m)
  • Width: 25 ft (7.62 m)
  • Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)

Vessel History

The M. Stalker was a wooden-hulled schooner constructed in 1863 by Henry Kelley in Milan, Ohio. Designed as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, schooners like the M. Stalker were essential for transporting goods such as lumber, grain, and coal during the 19th century.

The vessel had no documented rebuilds during its service, indicating it likely remained close to its original design until its sinking in 1886. Though details of its sinking are sparse, the schooner reportedly sank during a storm in Lake Huron. No lives were reported lost, and the remains now provide insight into schooner design and cargo transport during the mid-19th century.

For more on the M. Stalker’s history:

3D Model – M. Stalker

Schooner M.Stalker by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Wreck Site Information

  • Lake: Lake Huron
  • State/Province: Michigan
  • Depth: 85 ft (25.91 m)
  • GPS Coordinates: 45° 47.620′ N, 084° 41.062′ W

Site Description:

The wreck of the M. Stalker lies upright on the lakebed and remains largely intact forward. While the transom and stern cabin are missing, the forward and mid-ship decking are well-preserved. Key features visible on the site include:

  • Windlass and Centerboard Winch: Reflecting the ship’s functional role in cargo transport.
  • Rigging: Some sections remain off the starboard side.
  • Main Mast Fife Rail: Still extant, indicating where crew managed sail controls.

Diving Notes & Advisories

Depth Consideration: At 85 ft (25.91 m), the wreck is accessible to recreational divers with advanced training.

Preservation Status: As part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, divers are urged to respect the site, leaving artifacts undisturbed.

Visibility: Conditions in Lake Huron can vary, with visibility influenced by seasonal and weather changes.

Notable Artifacts on Site

  • Windlass and centerboard winch.
  • Centerboard.
  • Rigging remains on the starboard side.
  • Forward decking and main mast fife rail.

Keywords:

M. Stalker schooner, Lake Huron shipwrecks, Great Lakes schooners, 19th-century cargo vessels, Straits of Mackinac.

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