Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Success
- Type: Scow Schooner
- Year Built: 1875
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length 103 ft (31.39 m); Beam 27 ft (8.23 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.13 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2.44 m / 8 ft
- Location: Approximately 500 ft south of Whitefish Dunes State Park
- Coordinates: N 44° 55.02048′ W 087° 12.17688′
- Official Number: 115376
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Success was a scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel designed for transporting heavy cargoes such as lumber and stone. These vessels played a crucial role in the Great Lakes’ economy during the 19th century, particularly in Wisconsin.
Description
The wreck of the Success lies in shallow waters of Lake Michigan, approximately 500 ft south of Whitefish Dunes State Park. Much of the wreck is buried beneath shifting sands, but when visible, it offers insights into the construction and design of scow schooners, particularly their flat-bottomed hulls optimized for carrying heavy loads in shallow waters.
History
The Success was built in 1875 and sank in 1896 near Whitefish Dunes State Park. Scow schooners, while robust, were vulnerable to storms and maritime hazards due to their utilitarian design and limited seaworthiness in rough conditions.
Significant Incidents
- 1896: The Success sank in Lake Michigan.
Final Disposition
The wreck is protected under Wisconsin law, and divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing the site. The wreck provides an opportunity to study the construction and operation of scow schooners, a once-common vessel type on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of 2019, much of the wreck is buried beneath shifting sands. Visibility can be affected by these sands and weather conditions, which may obscure parts of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”success-us-115376″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The wreck of the Success serves as a significant educational and recreational site, allowing divers and snorkelers to explore the maritime history of the Great Lakes while adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shipwreck Profile: Success
Identification & Site Information
- Name(s): Success
- Registry: U.S.
- Official Number: 115376
- Vessel Type: Scow Schooner
- Year Built: 1875
- Year Sank: 1896
- Hull Material: Wood
- Masts: Not specified
- Engines: None (sail-powered vessel)
- Dimensions
- Length: 103 ft (31.39 m)
- Width: 27 ft (8.23 m)
- Depth: 7 ft (2.13 m)
- GPS Coordinates N 44°° 55.02048′ W 087° 12.17688′
Vessel History
The Success was a scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel with broad beams designed for transporting heavy cargoes such as lumber, stone, and other bulk materials. These vessels were vital to the Great Lakes’ economy during the 19th century, particularly in Wisconsin, where the lumber industry flourished.
The Success met its end in 1896, sinking near Whitefish Dunes State Park in Lake Michigan. Scow schooners, though robust, were susceptible to storms and other maritime hazards due to their utilitarian design and limited seaworthiness in rough conditions.
Links and Resources
3D Model – Success
Scow-Schooner Success by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Wreck Site Information
- Lake: Lake Michigan
- State/Province: Wisconsin
- Depth: 8 ft (2.44 m)
- GPS Coordinates: N 44° 55.02048′, W 087° 12.17688′
Site Description:
The wreck of the Success lies approximately 500 ft (152 m) south of Whitefish Dunes State Park, in shallow waterAs of 2019, much of the wreck is buried beneath shifting sands.
When visible, the structure offers insights into the construction and design of scow schooners, particularly their flat-bottomed hulls optimized for carrying heavy loads in shallow waters.
Diving Notes & Advisories
Depth Consideration: At a depth of 8 ft (2.44 m), the wreck is accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.
Visibility: Visibility is often affected by shifting sands and weather conditions, which may obscure parts of the wreck.
Preservation Status: The site is protected under Wisconsin law. Divers and snorkelers are encouraged to observe without disturbing the wreck.
Site Significance
The wreck of the Success provides an opportunity to study the construction and operation of scow schooners, a once-common but now rare vessel type on the Great Lakes. Its location near Whitefish Dunes State Park makes it accessible for educational and recreational exploration.
Keywords:
Success shipwreck, Lake Michigan scow schooners, Wisconsin maritime history, Great Lakes shipwrecks, shallow wreck sites.
success-us-115376 1896-03-14 07:54:00