Trinidad US 24621

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Trinidad
• Type: Three-masted schooner
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: William Keefe, Grand Island, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 140 ft (42.67 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 91 m / 300 ft
• Location: About 10 miles off Algoma, Wisconsin
• Official Number: US 24621
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Three-masted schooner

Description

The wreck of the Trinidad is remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan, which slow the decomposition of wooden ships. Key features include:

• Hull: Largely intact, with the wooden structure displaying the craftsmanship of 19th-century schooner construction.
• Decking: Still present in some sections, with visible evidence of the schooner’s rigging and fittings.
• Cargo: The coal cargo remains visible in the hold.
• Artifacts: The crew’s belongings and other personal effects may still be present, preserved by the lake’s conditions.

At a depth of 91 metres (300 feet), the wreck is accessible only to technical divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

History

The Trinidad is a classic example of the workhorse schooners that played a vital role in 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Her grain and coal cargoes supported the industrial and agricultural economies of the Great Lakes region. Schooners like the Trinidad were optimized for speed and efficiency, with shallow drafts that allowed them to navigate tight harbors and canals. The loss of the captain’s Newfoundland dog and the crew’s belongings adds a poignant human element to the story, reflecting the risks faced by sailors of the era.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

• May 13, 1881: The Trinidad sank after developing a severe leak while sailing south along the Wisconsin shoreline. Despite the crew’s efforts to pump out water, the vessel sank at approximately 4:45 AM near Algoma, Wisconsin, taking with it all personal belongings, the captain’s dog, and its coal cargo. Thankfully, no human lives were lost as the crew managed to escape.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Trinidad was located in July 2023 by maritime historians Brendon Baillod and Bob Jaeck. A survey was conducted by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, which documented and assessed the wreck. The society plans to nominate the wreck for the National Register of Historic Places to preserve the site for future archaeological study and promote awareness of its historical significance.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in a well-preserved state due to the cold waters of Lake Michigan. It remains largely intact, with many features still visible. However, it is located at a significant depth, making it accessible only to technical divers or ROVs.

Resources & Links

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The Trinidad is a compelling example of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the schooners that supported 19th-century commerce. Its 2023 discovery provides an opportunity to explore the ship’s story and its place in the economic and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes region. While its cargo and the captain’s loyal dog remain at rest beneath Lake Michigan, its story will continue to resonate through historical preservation and study.