Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: S. P. Wilson
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner (Three-masted)
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Shaw in South Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 142 gross / 135 net tons
- Location: South of Grand Haven, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not available
- Official Number: 115188
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The S. P. Wilson was a three-masted wooden scow-schooner, designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1873 by Shaw in South Haven, Michigan, the S. P. Wilson measured 142 gross tons and 135 net tons. At the time of her loss, she was loaded with wood slabs.
History
The vessel was engaged in trade, primarily transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Her final voyage was bound for Chicago from a Lake Michigan port.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: 20 October 1885
- Route: Bound for Chicago from a Lake Michigan port
- During a northwest gale, the vessel sprang a leak while seeking refuge in Grand Haven, Michigan, and steered for shelter.
- The steamer Wisconsin attempted to assist and tow her into port, but S. P. Wilson broke loose or otherwise drifted, grounding south of Grand Haven.
- The vessel became stranded and was pounded to pieces on shore, resulting in a total loss.
Final Disposition
All six crew members aboard were rescued safely, and there were no casualties. The vessel was deemed unrecoverable, and wreck debris was abandoned after breaking up.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No trace of the wreck remains, and her loss is documented solely in historical fate listings.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”s-p-wilson-us-115188″ title=”References & Links”]
The scow-schooner S. P. Wilson was lost on 20 October 1885 when a leak in a northwest gale caused her to drift ashore south of Grand Haven. Despite assistance from the steamer Wisconsin, she was wrecked beyond repair. If you’d like help tracing operator records, crew names, or locating newspaper archives or insurance documentation for the event, I can assist with targeted search strategies.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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