Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: M.W. Wright
• Type: Wooden propeller-driven vessel – Excursion Boat, Tug, and Yacht
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder: Elliott, Depauville, NY
• Dimensions: 70 ft (21.3 m); Beam: 14 ft (4.3 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft (1.5 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 34 gross, 24 net tons
• Location: Near Cross Village, Michigan
• Official Number: 17825
• Original Owners: Captain Chamberlin

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The M.W. Wright was a small, multi-purpose vessel designed for light work, including passenger excursions, transporting small cargo loads, and acting as a tugboat.

Description

The M.W. Wright was built in 1868 in Depauville, New York, and primarily operated in the waters of northern Lake Michigan, connecting remote fishing and logging communities.

History

The M.W. Wright served as an excursion boat, tug, and cargo carrier, playing a crucial role in regional commerce before modern infrastructure developed.

Significant Incidents

• November 14, 1884: The M.W. Wright was driven ashore near Cross Village, Michigan, during a severe gale, leading to its destruction.
• No loss of life occurred during the incident.
• Reports indicated that the vessel was breaking apart shortly after the wreck.

Final Disposition

Despite the wreck, the M.W. Wright remained listed in shipping registries until at least 1892. Some records suggest she may have been salvaged or partially rebuilt before being fully abandoned in 1893.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wooden hull was reported as breaking apart within days of the wreck. Any remains would likely be scattered, buried in sand, or washed away by storms. Metal fastenings or machinery might still exist on the lakebed, and side-scan sonar surveys could locate remnants.

Resources & Links

The M.W. Wright was a small but essential vessel, showcasing the vital role small steamers played in regional commerce and travel on northern Lake Michigan. Her wreck, if it still exists, could be an important piece of Michigan’s maritime history.