Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Richard Winslow US 110003

Explore the remains of the Richard Winslow, a 19th-century schooner wrecked in Lake Michigan, offering insights into historical ship construction and accessible diving conditions.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Richard Winslow
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1871
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 217 ft (66.14 m) X 36 ft (10.97 m); Depth: 14 ft (4.27 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 9.14 m / 30 ft
  • Location: Lake Michigan, Michigan
  • Coordinates: 45° 50.911′ N, 85° 09.916′ W
  • Official Number: 110003

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Richard Winslow was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rigging and multiple sails, designed for efficient transport of bulk cargoes.

Description

The Richard Winslow lies flattened in shallow water, heavily impacted by dynamiting. Despite this, many features are still visible, including:

  • Bottom of the Ship: Covered in iron ore, remnants of the cargo it was carrying.
  • Starboard Side: Largely intact, with notable features such as knees (structural braces), pin rails (for securing rigging), and bulwark (most of the ship’s side).
  • Keelson: Clearly visible on the bottom, along with at least one mast step, where the mast was secured.

History

The Richard Winslow was built in 1871 and was designed to carry heavy bulk cargoes such as iron ore, grain, and coal. It played a significant role in Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. The vessel sank in 1898 in Lake Michigan. Following its sinking, the wreck was dynamited to remove it as a navigational hazard, a common practice at the time. Despite the damage from the explosions, significant portions of the vessel and artifacts remain at the wreck site, providing valuable insights into 19th-century schooner construction and operation.

Significant Incidents

  • The Richard Winslow sank in 1898.
  • After sinking, the wreck was dynamited to eliminate navigational hazards.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Richard Winslow is part of Michigan’s underwater heritage and is protected. Divers are encouraged to observe but not disturb the site or remove artifacts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers at a depth of 30 ft (9.14 m). Visibility can vary depending on weather and sediment conditions, though the shallow depth often provides decent clarity.

Resources & Links

The Richard Winslow offers an intriguing look at the design and operation of large Great Lakes schooners. Its structural remnants and artifacts provide valuable insights into 19th-century ship construction and cargo operations, particularly for vessels transporting bulk materials like iron ore. Its shallow location enhances its significance as an educational and recreational site within Michigan’s maritime history.