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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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