Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Maine Law
- Type: Two-masted wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder: L. S. Bedford
- Dimensions: Approx. 53 × 17 × 5 ft; approx. 36 registered tons
- Registered Tonnage: 36 registered tons
- Location: Just off Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Maine Law was a two-masted wooden scow-schooner, a type of vessel commonly used for towing or short-run cargo transport.
Description
Built in 1853 at Port Huron, Michigan by L. S. Bedford, the Maine Law measured approximately 53 feet in length, 17 feet in beam, and 5 feet in depth. It was registered at approximately 36 tons at the time of its loss.
History
The Maine Law had a brief service history, primarily engaged in the lumber trade. On September 24, 1858, while loading lumber at a dock known as “Bark Shanty,” the vessel was caught in a gale (or possibly a fall storm) that blew it off the dock. The vessel was cast adrift and subsequently pounded ashore on a bar, leading to its destruction.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: September 24, 1858
- Loss Location: Just off Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, on Lake Huron
- Cargo: Lumber (reported)
- Circumstances of Loss: Blown off dock; grounded on bar; broke up
- Crew & Casualties: No documented fatalities; crew survived
Final Disposition
The Maine Law is considered a total loss, with wreckage unrecoverable. Due to the nature of its destruction close to shore, no intact hull surveys or dive documentation exist. The remains of the vessel are likely scattered or buried just offshore.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the wreck is considered unrecoverable and has broken up close to shore, there are no intact remains to explore. The site may be challenging to locate due to the potential scattering of debris.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”maine-law-1853″ title=”References & Links”]
The Maine Law serves as a reminder of the perils faced by vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. Further research into local archives may yield additional insights into its history and loss.
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