Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Manhattan US 91905

Explore the wreck of the Manhattan, a wooden bulk freighter lost in 1903, now resting in the Alger Underwater Preserve of Lake Superior.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Manhattan
  • Type: Bulk Freighter
  • Year Built: 1887
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length 252 ft (76.8 m); Beam 38 ft (11.6 m); Depth of hold 19 ft (5.8 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 6.1 m / 20 ft
  • Location: Alger County, Michigan
  • Official Number: 91905

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Manhattan was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter, a vessel type designed to transport large quantities of bulk materials such as coal, grain, or lumber on the Great Lakes. Its size and capacity reflect the demands of the late 19th-century shipping industry.

Description

Built in 1887, the Manhattan served as a significant cargo carrier during its time, contributing to the booming maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. By 1903, the vessel had burned and was declared a loss, with much of its structure and machinery salvaged in the aftermath. The specific cause of the fire is not detailed in historical records but was a common hazard for wooden freighters.

The wreck lies in the Alger Underwater Preserve, a region known for its historical shipwrecks and protected waters, offering a glimpse into Great Lakes shipping history.

History

The wreck rests in 20 ft (6.1 m) of water in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s Alger County.

Significant Incidents

  • Remaining wreckage includes parts of the bottom of the ship and a small portion of one side of the hull.
  • Artifacts at the site include the rudder, steel plates, and lifeboat davits.
  • The site is littered with natural debris, including tree trunks and branches, which may have been part of the freighter’s original cargo or accumulated over time.
  • A sonar target suggests the boiler may lie in deeper water, though this has not been confirmed or explored extensively.

Final Disposition

The Manhattan wreck has been documented and is part of the Alger Underwater Preserve, a designated area protecting historically significant shipwrecks in Lake Superior. The preserve provides educational and recreational opportunities while safeguarding the site for future study.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The shallow depth of the wreck makes it accessible for recreational divers and snorkelers. The site’s condition reflects its history of salvage and natural degradation, and visitors are encouraged to respect its historical significance by avoiding any disturbance of the remains.

Resources & Links

Overall, the Manhattan serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by wooden vessels in the shipping industry.