Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Midnight
- Type: Unrigged wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1856?
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Huron
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Unrigged wooden schooner-barge (listed as vessel “M”)
Description
The Midnight was a wooden schooner-barge that was unrigged and primarily used for towing. It was built around 1856 and was involved in maritime operations on the Great Lakes.
History
The Midnight was last towed by the steam propeller S.S. Wilhelm, alongside another schooner-barge named Mears. The vessel was lost on November 27, 1889, while navigating Lake Huron.
Significant Incidents
- While under tow from Cheboygan, Michigan toward Buffalo, Midnight encountered a severe southeast gale.
- Her crew abandoned Midnight in favor of Mears, which was considered safer in the storm.
- Midnight was subsequently set adrift and ultimately driven ashore by the unusual southeast gale, where she was torn apart after drifting in a derelict state.
- Mears also sank, but both crews were rescued by the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
Final Disposition
The vessel was declared a total loss, with abandon as the hull broke apart along the shoreline. No remains were salvaged or repurposed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck of Midnight is not accessible for diving due to its total loss status and the absence of any remaining structure.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”midnight” title=”References & Links”]
The loss of Midnight serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels in severe weather conditions, particularly when towing unrigged barges. It also highlights the effectiveness of the U.S. Life-Saving Service in rescuing crews from perilous situations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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