Three Sisters US 145884 – Shotline Diving

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

Name: Three Sisters
Type: Gas Auxiliary Schooner
Year Built: 1901
Builder: Jas. Larsen
Dimensions: 69 ft (21 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Registered Tonnage: 52 tons (47.1 metric tonnes)
Location: Green Bay, near Red River
Official Number: 145884
Original Owners: J. Larsen

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The THREE SISTERS was classified as a gas auxiliary schooner, a type of vessel that utilized both sails and a gasoline engine for propulsion.

Description

The THREE SISTERS was a wooden vessel built in 1901 by Jas. Larsen in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Designed for bulk cargo transport, it was particularly suited for carrying hay across the Great Lakes. The vessel was equipped with a gasoline engine around 1910, making it one of the last commercial schooners on the lakes to receive such an upgrade.

History

Owned and built by J. Larsen out of Marinette, Wisconsin, the THREE SISTERS measured 69 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet and a depth of 7 feet. The addition of a gas engine allowed her to navigate when wind conditions were unfavorable.

Significant Incidents

In 1905, the THREE SISTERS stranded in Grand Traverse Bay, suffering significant damage but was salvaged and returned to service.
On November 4, 1912, the vessel encountered a violent gale in Green Bay, near Red River, leading to her being blown ashore and wrecked, resulting in the loss of all four crew members aboard.
Among the lost was J. Larsen, the ship’s owner and builder.
Three bystanders were awarded civilian lifesaving medals for their attempts to rescue the crew, though tragically, none survived.

Final Disposition

The THREE SISTERS was completely wrecked after being driven ashore by the storm in Green Bay on November 4, 1912. The loss of the crew marked a tragic chapter in the history of gas auxiliary schooners.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the THREE SISTERS remains a significant site, though specific details about its current condition are not documented.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”three-sisters-us-145884″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The story of the THREE SISTERS serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels, particularly during storms. It highlights the transition in maritime technology and the bravery of those who risk their lives to save others.

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.

Identification & Site Information

Other Names: None
Official No.: 145884
Type at Loss: Gas Auxiliary Schooner, Wood
Build Info: 1901, Jas. Larsen, Fish Creek, WI
Specs: Length: 69 feet (21 meters) Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters) Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
Gross Tonnage: 52 tons (47.1 metric tonnes)
Net Tonnage: 52 tons (47.1 metric tonnes)
Date of Loss: November 4, 1912
Place of Loss: Green Bay, near Red River
Lake: Michigan
Type of Loss: Storm
Loss of Life: 4 (All aboard)
Carrying: Hay

History and Description

The THREE SISTERS was a gas auxiliary schooner built in 1901 by Jas. Larsen in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. It was a wooden vessel designed to carry bulk cargo and was particularly suited for transporting hay across the Great Lakes. She was equipped with a gasoline engine around 1910, making her one of the last commercial schooners on the lakes to receive such an upgrade before transitioning to more advanced steam-powered and motorized vessels.

The THREE SISTERS was owned and built by J. Larsen out of Marinette, Wisconsin. She measured 69 feet in length and had a beam of 20 feet with a depth of 7 feet. She was considered a gas auxiliary schooner because of the addition of a gas engine, which helped her navigate the lakes when the wind was not favorable for sail.

On November 4, 1912, the THREE SISTERS encountered a violent gale while operating in Green Bay, near Red River. The vessel was blown ashore by the storm and wrecked, ultimately leading to the tragic loss of all four crew members aboard. Among the lost was J. Larsen, the ship’s owner and builder, marking a personal tragedy for the vessel’s creator.

The incident gained attention not only for the loss of the vessel but also for the heroic efforts of bystanders who attempted to rescue the crew. Three individuals were later awarded civilian lifesaving medals for their bravery in attempting to save the crew, though tragically, none of the crew members survived.

Earlier in her life, the THREE SISTERS had encountered problems with storms. In 1905, she stranded in Grand Traverse Bay, suffering significant damage. However, she was salvaged and returned to service before her final disaster in 1912.

Final Disposition

The THREE SISTERS was completely wrecked after being driven ashore by the fierce storm in Green Bay on November 4, 1912. The crew perished, and despite attempts to rescue them, the storm and conditions made the operation impossible. The wreck marks a sad chapter in the history of gas auxiliary schooners, many of which had seen their final days in the early 20th century as more powerful and efficient ships began to dominate the Great Lakes.

Sources & References

Conclusion

The story of the THREE SISTERS stands as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes vessels, especially those operating under less favorable conditions such as storms. The wreck highlights not only the dangers of sailing on the Great Lakes but also the shifting tides in maritime technology, as the last commercial schooners gave way to more modern forms of transportation. The heroic attempts to rescue the crew are a testament to the courage and selflessness of those who risk their lives to save others, even in the most perilous circumstances.

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