Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Storm Spirit

Explore the wreck of the Storm Spirit, a 19th-century schooner resting in Lake Huron at 95 ft, featuring unique construction and historical artifacts.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Storm Spirit
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1856
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 117 ft (35.66 m) X 26 ft (7.92 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3.05 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 28.96 m / 95 ft
  • Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
  • Coordinates: 43° 29.016′ N, 082° 28.233′ W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Storm Spirit was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rigging and typically used for cargo transport.

Description

The wreck of the Storm Spirit lies at a depth of 95 ft (28.96 m) in Lake Huron. The vessel is partially disarticulated, with notable features including:

  • Starboard Side: Deeply buried in the lakebed, reflecting heavy sedimentation over time.
  • Port Side: Broken off and lying beside the hull.
  • Bow: Intact on the port side, with a boom leaning against it.

Unique construction elements include wooden hogging arches embedded in the hull, which curve both upward and downward, an uncommon feature for ships built in 1856.

History

The Storm Spirit was constructed in 1856 and served as a vital cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting lumber, coal, and other bulk goods. The schooner sank in 1864, likely due to harsh weather and challenging navigation conditions prevalent in the region during the 19th century. The Storm Spirit represents an era when wooden sailing vessels were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce.

Significant Incidents

  • The Storm Spirit sank on March 14, 1864, under circumstances likely related to severe weather.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Storm Spirit remains on the lakebed, protected as a historical site. Divers are encouraged to leave artifacts undisturbed to maintain the wreck’s integrity.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is partially disarticulated and buried in sediment, with visibility varying based on weather and lake conditions. It is suitable for advanced divers with deep diving certification.

Resources & Links

The Storm Spirit offers a glimpse into 19th-century maritime history and is an important site for divers interested in the Great Lakes’ rich shipwreck heritage.