Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Phineas S. Marsh
- Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: G.W. Jones, Black River, Ohio
- Dimensions: ~177 ft (54 m) L × 31 ft (9.4 m) beam × 13 ft (4 m) depth; 543 GRT, 516 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 543 GRT, 516 NRT
- Location: Near Crisp Point, eastern Lake Superior
- Official Number: 19679
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Phineas S. Marsh was a three-masted wooden schooner, typical of the cargo vessels used in the Great Lakes bulk freight trade.
Description
Built in 1867, the Phineas S. Marsh was designed to carry cargo, specifically limestone blocks, across the Great Lakes. The vessel underwent rebuilds in 1880 and 1883, extending its service life.
History
The Phineas S. Marsh was constructed in Black River, Ohio, and served for nearly three decades. It played a significant role in the transportation of bulk materials, particularly stone blocks, which were essential for construction and other industries in the region.
Significant Incidents
- On August 26, 1896, the Phineas S. Marsh encountered a severe storm near Crisp Point on Lake Superior, leading to its grounding and subsequent sinking.
- The crew managed to climb into the rigging and were rescued by the U.S. Life-Saving Service from Crisp Point station, with no casualties reported.
- By August 30, 1896, the vessel was declared a total loss as it broke apart shortly after grounding.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Phineas S. Marsh was declared a total loss shortly after the incident. The vessel broke apart, and all major structural elements are likely scattered across the seabed, with machinery absent due to its wooden construction.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is located near Crisp Point, within distress range of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The condition of the wreck is poor, as it broke apart soon after grounding, and all major structural elements are likely scattered.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”phineas-s-marsh-us-19679″ title=”References & Links”]
The Phineas S. Marsh met her demise during a violent storm in 1896, grounding and rapidly disintegrating off Crisp Point while carrying limestone. This incident is well-documented, and a remote-sensing survey near Crisp Point could help confirm her location and reveal burial conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →