Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Three Brothers
- Type: Propeller, Wood, Bulk Freight
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Milwaukee Shipyard Co.
- Dimensions: Length: 162 ft (49.4 m); Beam: 31 ft (9.4 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 583 tons (529.8 metric tonnes)
- Location: South Manitou Island, near the Morazan wreck
- Official Number: 91998
- Original Owners: White Transportation, Buffalo
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Three Brothers was a wooden propeller ship designed for bulk freight, primarily used for transporting lumber across the Great Lakes.
Description
The Three Brothers was originally built as the May Durr in 1888 by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co. and was later renamed John Spry in 1892, before finally becoming the Three Brothers in 1903. The vessel measured 162 feet in length and had a gross tonnage of 583 tons, powered by a 422-horsepower engine that enabled her to carry large loads of lumber across Lake Michigan.
History
On September 27, 1911, while bound from Boyne City to Chicago, the Three Brothers encountered a fierce storm in Lake Michigan. The ship began to leak and take on water, leading to her sinking. To save the crew, the vessel was run ashore near South Manitou Island, close to the location of the Morazan wreck. The crew was rescued by the South Manitou Island Lifesaving Service.
Significant Incidents
- Renamed from May Durr to John Spry in 1892, and then to Three Brothers in 1903.
- Lost in a storm on September 27, 1911.
- Abandoned after running ashore, leading to the wreck breaking apart.
Final Disposition
In 1996, the wreckage of the Three Brothers was discovered when a sandbar washed off part of her remains, exposing more of the ship’s structure. The wreck is now part of the maritime heritage of the Lake Michigan region and serves as a reminder of the treacherous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Three Brothers remains a site of historical interest, with portions revealed years after its final abandonment. Divers are encouraged to document the site responsibly, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories’.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”three-brothers-may-durr-john-spry-us-91998″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the Three Brothers underscores the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and the continuous threat of storms in the region, which contributed to the rise of life-saving services along the coast.
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.
Three Brothers – Identification & Site Information
- Other Names: Built as MAY DURR, renamed JOHN SPRY in 1892, then renamed THREE BROTHERS in 1903
- Official No.: 91998
- Type at Loss: Propeller, Wood, Bulk Freight
- Build Info: 1888, Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Milwaukee (Hull #28)
- Specs: Length: 162 feet (49.4 meters) Beam: 31 feet (9.4 meters) Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 583 tons (529.8 metric tonnes)
- Net Tonnage: 444 tons (402.4 metric tonnes)
- Date of Loss: September 27, 1911
- Place of Loss: South Manitou Island, near the Morazan wreck
- Lake: Michigan
- Type of Loss: Storm
- Carrying: Lumber
History and Description
The THREE BROTHERS was originally built as the MAY DURR in 1888 by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co. and was used as a bulk freighter primarily transporting lumber across the Great Lakes. Later renamed JOHN SPRY in 1892, the vessel was finally given the name THREE BROTHERS in 1903. She was a wooden propeller ship measuring 162 feetin length with a gross tonnage of 583 tons. Her 422-horsepower engine enabled her to handle large loads of lumber, which she carried on her trips across Lake Michigan.
On September 27, 1911, while bound from Boyne City to Chicago, the THREE BROTHERS encountered a fierce storm in Lake Michigan. During the storm, the ship began to leak and take on water, which led to her sinking. To save the crew, the vessel was run ashore near South Manitou Island, close to the location of the Morazan wreck. Once ashore, the crew was rescued by the South Manitou Island Lifesaving Service.
The vessel, however, was abandoned and soon broke her back as the storm’s relentless force tore apart the hull. Despite efforts to save her, she could not be repaired, and the wreck was left on the shore.
Final Disposition
In 1996, the wreckage of the THREE BROTHERS was discovered when a sandbar washed off part of her remains, exposing more of the ship’s structure to the surface. The wreck is now part of the maritime heritage of the Lake Michigan region and remains a poignant reminder of the treacherous conditions that vessels faced on the Great Lakes.
The South Manitou Island Lifesaving Service played a significant role in rescuing the crew, which is a testament to the importance of life-saving stations that dotted the Great Lakes at the time. The THREE BROTHERS was owned by White Transportation of Buffalo at the time of her loss.
Sources & References
- Maritime Vessel Database (MV)
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks (NS2, GS)
- Island Society Records (IS, NB)
- Michigan Shipwreck Database (NSP, MPL)
- Eastern Shore Archive (EAS)
Conclusion
The loss of the THREE BROTHERS in the storm of 1911 highlights the volatile and perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping, particularly in the region surrounding South Manitou Island, where many ships met similar fates. Fortunately, the crew was saved, and the wreck continues to be of historical interest, with portions of it revealed years after its final abandonment. The story of the THREE BROTHERS underscores the resilience of the Great Lakes mariners and the continuous threat of storms in the region, which contributed to the rise of life-saving services along the coast.
three-brothers-may-durr-john-spry-us-91998 1911-09-27 07:55:00