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
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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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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