Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Narragansett
- Type: Wooden 3-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, OH
- Dimensions: Approx. 140 × 26 × 12 ft; Gross 317 ft, Net 301 ft (altered to 134 × 26 × 12 ft, 298 g / 246 n by 1901)
- Registered Tonnage: 317 gross, 301 net
- Location: Off Port Sanilac, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 18110
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden 3-masted schooner — Lake Huron (U.S.)
Description
The Narragansett was a large wooden 3-masted schooner built in 1861, used in Great Lakes freight trade. Her size, rigging, and robust planking suggest a vessel capable of hauling sizable cargoes across freshwater conditions. By the time of her loss, her tonnage had slightly decreased, possibly following structural alterations or remeasurement for registry purposes.
History
- Built in 1861 at Cleveland by Quayle & Martin
- Active in mid-to-late 19th century regional trade
- Registry adjustments: Reduction in dimensions and tonnage by 1901 (likely due to repairs or rebuild)
Significant Incidents
During 13 May 1901, the aging hull of Narragansett began leaking under storm conditions off Port Sanilac, MI. The crew abandoned the vessel as she became waterlogged. The ship remained afloat briefly but was ultimately considered a constructive total loss. All crew survived with no recorded casualties.
Final Disposition
- Declared a total loss, abandoned at sea with no salvage reported.
- Specific wreck location and survey data are undocumented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
- No physical wreck site has been documented.
- No diving or identification expeditions have been recorded in accessible archives.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”narragansett-us-18110″ title=”References & Links”]
The Narragansett — a wooden 3-masted schooner built in 1861 — was lost on 13 May 1901 after becoming waterlogged in a storm off Port Sanilac, Michigan. Her aging hull failed, forcing the crew to abandon her; all survived. The vessel was declared a total loss, but no wreck site or salvage record exists. Key vessel specifications and incident details suggest an opportunity for deeper archival research to fill in ownership, cargo, crew, and fate.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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