Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Myosotis
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Milwaukee Shipyard Co.
- Dimensions: 137 ft × 26 ft × 11 ft; 333 GRT / 317 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 333 GRT / 317 NRT
- Location: Near the harbor mouth at St. Joseph, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 90764
- Original Owners: Blyer Brothers, Milwaukee (by 1876); A. J. Blyer et al. (by 1882)
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Myosotis was a wooden three-masted schooner, primarily engaged in the iron ore trade on the Great Lakes.
Description
Description
Built in 1874 by Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Myosotis measured 137 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11 feet. She was registered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and had a gross registered tonnage of 333 tons.
History
History
Myosotis was owned by Blyer Brothers by 1876 and later by A. J. Blyer et al. by 1882. The vessel was primarily used for transporting iron ore across the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On November 11, 1887, Myosotis struck a reef near the harbor mouth at St. Joseph, Michigan, while loaded with 600 tons of iron ore.
- The incident was likely caused by a storm or navigational error, with severe autumn weather conditions contributing to the accident.
- All seven crew members reached shore safely in the ship’s boat.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
Myosotis sank to deck level and was subsequently pounded to pieces by waves, resulting in a total constructive loss. The wreck marked the end of a significant workhorse schooner in the iron ore trade.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site has not been extensively surveyed, and further research is needed to assess the current condition of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”myosotis-us-90764″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
Myosotis was a mid-1870s wooden schooner serving in the iron ore trades when she struck a reef near St. Joseph harbor on November 11, 1887. Despite the total loss of the vessel, her crew survived. The wreck highlights navigational risks at harbor entrances during Lake Michigan’s fall storms and marks the end of a notable schooner built for regional trade.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Construction
- Official Number: 90764
- Built: 1874 by Milwaukee Shipyard Co. (originating from Allen & McClelland), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Dimensions: 137 ft × 26 ft × 11 ft; 333 GRT / 317 NRT
- Registration: Enrolled Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 26, 1875
- Ownership: Blyer Brothers, Milwaukee (by 1876); A. J. Blyer et al. (by 1882)
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date: November 11, 1887
- Route: Loaded with 600 tons of iron ore, bound from Escanaba, Michigan, to St. Joseph, Michigan
- Incident Location: Struck a reef near the harbor mouth at St. Joseph, Lake Michigan (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, linkstothepast.com)
- Cause: Likely due to a storm or navigational error—maritime conditions not precisely recorded but consistent with severe autumn weather
- Outcome: Sank to deck level, then was pounded to pieces by waves–a total constructive loss.
- Crew: All seven crew members reached shore safely in the ship’s boat (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Aftermath & Significance
- The wreck marked the end of a workhorse schooner engaged in the iron ore trade.
- The loss underscores the dangers of navigating near shoals and harbor entrances during late-fall weather on Lake Michigan.
- The incident was well-reported in maritime logs and newspaper summaries, particularly under Milwaukee’s maritime records (linkstothepast.com).
Research Gaps & Potential Inquiries
| Area | Suggested Research |
|---|---|
| Storm/weather context | NOAA archives or Nov 1887 newspaper coverage (e.g., St. Joseph Herald) |
| Crew documentation | Shipping registrations and crew lists in Milwaukee archives |
| Wreck site condition | Lake Michigan side-scan sonar survey near old St. Joseph harbor reef |
| Commercial impact | Trade and insurance records regarding loss of iron ore cargo |
Conclusion
Myosotis was a mid‑1870s wooden schooner serving in the iron ore trades when she struck a reef near St. Joseph harbor on November 11, 1887. Despite the total loss of the vessel, her crew survived. The wreck highlights navigational risks at harbor entrances during Lake Michigan’s fall storms and marks the end of a notable schooner built for regional trade.
myosotis-us-90764 1887-11-11 01:46:00