Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Maia
- Type: Steel-hulled, self-unloading bulk freight barge
- Year Built: 1898
- Builder: Chicago Shipbuilding Co.
- Dimensions: 376 ft × 48 ft × 26 ft; ~3,804 GRT
- Registered Tonnage: ~3,804 GRT
- Location: Point Isabelle, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 92894
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled, self-unloading bulk freight barge.
Description
Description
The Maia was built in 1898 by the Chicago Shipbuilding Co. and was primarily used as a steam barge, typically towed by steamers such as the Coralia in the Great Lakes freight trade.
History
History
The Maia was caught in the Mataafa Storm of November 27-28, 1905, a powerful extratropical cyclone that affected the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior. Under tow of the steamer Coralia, the Maia was torn away in violent gale conditions and cast ashore at Point Isabelle, sustaining heavy structural damage that led to its declaration as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Lost on November 29, 1905, during the Mataafa Storm.
- Declared total loss due to heavy structural damage.
- No confirmed casualties reported.
- Hull recovered and repurposed as a breakwater in 1956; scrapped in 1962.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The hull of the Maia was later recovered and utilized as a breakwater in 1956, ultimately being scrapped in 1962.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the wreck has been repurposed as a breakwater, the current condition of the original hull is not documented in detail. Investigations into the Point Isabelle shoreline may reveal remaining structural remnants.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”maia-1898″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Maia serves as a compelling example of the vulnerabilities faced by towed steel barges in extreme weather conditions, as well as the creative reuse of maritime infrastructure following its loss.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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