Templeton

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Templeton
• Type: Freight Vessel
• Year Built:
• Builder: Not identified
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: North side of South Manitou Island, near Morazan Point

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Likely a wooden sailing vessel (schooner or scow), typical of late-19th century Great Lakes freight craft.

Description

Templeton was a small Great Lakes freight vessel lost off South Manitou Island in 1893 after being caught in a storm. Laden reportedly with 350 barrels of whiskey and other valuables, she was wrecked with all cargo lost. Vessel-specific data (build, dimensions, crew) remain undocumented. The whiskey cargo hints at an intriguing economic backstory—be it legitimate trade or covert transportation.

History

The Templeton was reported to be carrying 350 barrels of whiskey, possibly alongside mixed merchandise and cash, suggesting use in high-value, possibly bootleg or specialty transport. The vessel was lost during the fall shipping season of 1893, likely in mid to late October.

Significant Incidents

• Date of Loss: 1893 (mid-late); likely during the fall shipping season.
• Location: North side of South Manitou Island (near Morazan Point), Lake Michigan.
• Cause: Foundered during a storm; driven ashore or capsized in high seas—wreck pronounced a total loss.
• Casualties: Not recorded.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Templeton was pronounced a total loss after being caught in a storm. The exact details of the wreck and any subsequent salvage operations remain undocumented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of now, the condition of the wreck is unknown, and there are opportunities for further exploration using side-scan sonar or shore-based dives near Morazan Point, where the relatively shallow waters may yield visible wreck remnants.

Resources & Links

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Further research is needed to uncover the construction details, cargo verification, and loss documentation of the Templeton. Investigating archived ship registration logs, shipping manifests, and meteorological data from 1893 could provide valuable insights into this intriguing shipwreck.