Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Maria
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: Milwaukee
- Dimensions: ~34 × 12 × 4 ft; 9 gross tons, 8 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 9 gross tons, 8 net tons
- Location: Near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 91096
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Maria was classified as a wooden scow-schooner, a type of vessel characterized by its flat bottom and shallow draft, making it suitable for navigating shallow waters.
Description
Constructed in 1878 in Milwaukee, the Maria measured approximately 34 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, and 4 feet in depth. It had a registered tonnage of 9 gross tons and 8 net tons, indicating its capacity for cargo.
History
The Maria was primarily used for transporting goods, including railroad ties made of hemlock lumber. Its operational history includes various voyages across Lake Michigan until its loss in November 1895.
Significant Incidents
- Weather During Loss: The vessel experienced a severe storm, which caused it to begin leaking heavily.
- Cargo: At the time of its sinking, the Maria was carrying railroad ties made of hemlock lumber.
- Evacuation: The crew of six was rescued by local fishermen, and all survived the incident.
- Aftermath: After the crew’s evacuation, the vessel drifted ashore near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where it broke up in the surf and was deemed a total loss.
Final Disposition
The Maria was abandoned after the crew’s evacuation and subsequently washed ashore, where it broke apart. The wreck is considered a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck site is unknown, and further investigation may be needed to assess its archaeological potential.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”maria-us-91096″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the Maria serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. The wreck remains a point of interest for divers and historians alike.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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