Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rockaway
- Type: Scow-style, flat-bottomed schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: Oswego, New York
- Dimensions: ~106 ft long, 24 ft beam, ~7 ft depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 20 m / 65 ft
- Location: Approx. 2.5 miles NW of South Haven Harbor, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: 42° 26.553′ N, 86° 18.400′ W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Scow-style, flat-bottomed schooner
Description
The Rockaway was built in 1866 and served primarily in the Lake Michigan lumber trade. It was designed for shallow waters, making it suitable for transporting goods along the lumber routes.
History
The Rockaway’s final voyage occurred on November 19, 1891, when it was caught in a severe autumn storm while traveling from Ludington to Benton Harbor carrying lumber. The vessel became waterlogged, prompting the crew to abandon ship. All six crew members survived the incident.
Significant Incidents
- Final Voyage: November 19, 1891, from Ludington to Benton Harbor carrying lumber.
- Loss Event: Caught in a severe autumn storm off South Haven; became waterlogged. Crew abandoned ship and all 6 survived.
- Sinking Location: Approx. 2.5 miles NW of South Haven Harbor, Lake Michigan, resting in ~65–70 ft (19–21 m) of water.
Final Disposition
The Rockaway was accidentally discovered in September 1983 when a fisherman’s anchor snagged on the wreck. This led to its reporting to the Michigan Maritime Museum. Excavation was conducted over six seasons by the Michigan Maritime Museum, Michigan Bureau of History, and DNR, marking the first complete archaeological excavation in the U.S. Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is broken into three sections on a flat sandy clay bottom. The central section includes the keelson and centerboard trunk, while the starboard section is cracked at the chine. The outer port section lies approximately 30 ft away. The site is covered with sand waves, and marine life such as perch and sculpins can be found in the area. Visibility is typically 36–40 ft, with water temperatures below 50 °F year-round.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rockaway-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
The scow-schooner Rockaway, lost in the 1891 South Haven storm, now lies preserved and partially excavated in 70 ft of water. It offers rich insights into flat-bottomed schooner architecture, maritime economics, and cold-water wreck preservation. The site remains accessible to divers under regulated guidelines and continues to contribute to historical and archaeological knowledge of Great Lakes shipping.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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