Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Manistee (formerly Lora, Alice Stafford)
- Type: Wooden propeller passenger/package steamer
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: B. Randall, Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Dimensions: 202 ft (61.5 m) × 32 ft (9.8 m) × 22 ft (6.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 843 gross / 485 net
- Location: Johnson Boiler Works dock, Spring Lake, Michigan
- Coordinates: Approx. N 43° 04.7′, W 086° 12.0′
- Official Number: 140537
- Original Owners: Noted under various operators (final: local passenger/freight service)
- Number of Masts: Not recorded
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller passenger/package steamer.
Description
Description
The Manistee began her career in 1882 as the Lora, a wooden propeller designed for passenger and package freight trade on Lake Michigan. Rebuilt and renamed Alice Stafford in 1897, she was again renamed Manistee in 1905. At 202 feet long and over 840 gross tons, she represented the wooden end of the Great Lakes steamer era, operating passenger service and carrying light cargo between Michigan ports.
History
History
Through three names, the vessel served reliably across Lake Michigan routes. By the early 20th century, she was an aging wooden hull operating at a time when iron and steel steamers dominated the lakes. Nevertheless, she remained in service until 1914, when a catastrophic fire ended her career.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On 28 June 1914, while moored at the Johnson Boiler Works dock, a fire broke out around 3–4 a.m., leading to the vessel being declared a total loss.
- Two crew members sustained serious burns, but all crew members escaped alive.
- The vessel drifted downstream while fully ablaze and grounded on a sandbar.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The vessel was completely destroyed by fire and abandoned at Spring Lake. Later surveys, including in 2008 by local researchers, noted scattered wreckage and lifeboat artifacts, but no substantial remains. The Manistee is considered a constructive total loss with no archaeological site of significance remaining.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not a dive site. The remains are shallow and largely dispersed near the Johnson Boiler Works dock. Emergency contacts include the USCG Grand Haven Station. No permits are required as there are no significant remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”manistee-us-140537-lora-alice-stafford” title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Manistee serves as a reminder of the wooden steamer era on the Great Lakes, with her loss marking the transition to more modern vessels. Today, her remains are scattered and not accessible for diving.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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