Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: TROY
- Type: Schooner Barge
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: David Lester in Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 187.4 ft (61 m); Beam 30.6 ft (9.3 m); Depth of hold 10.2 ft (3.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 486 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Scammon Cove, Drummond Island
- Coordinates: 45°57.039′ N, 83°37.500′ W
- Original Owners: Kreetan Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The TROY was a schooner barge, a type of vessel designed primarily to carry heavy cargoes such as lumber on the Great Lakes. These barges were typically towed by steam-powered vessels, maximizing efficiency during the bustling lumber trade of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The TROY’s substantial frame and robust construction made her a reliable asset for the transportation of timber, a key industry on the Great Lakes.
Description
The TROY was built in 1872 in Marine City, Michigan, by David Lester. With her significant dimensions and gross tonnage of 486 tons, she was well-suited for her role as a lumber carrier, faithfully serving the Great Lakes’ timber trade throughout her operational life.
History
Her final years were spent under the ownership of the Kreetan Company, a prominent lumber operation based in Scammon Cove, Drummond Island. In 1920, after decades of service, the TROY was abandoned at the northeast corner of Scammon Cove. Some accounts suggest she may have met her end in a fire while docked, though details remain unclear.
Significant Incidents
- 1920: Abandoned at Scammon Cove.
- Some accounts suggest a fire may have occurred while docked, but details are uncertain.
Final Disposition
Today, only the lower hull timbers of the TROY remain, lying submerged in 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters) of water in Scammon Cove. Close to the wreck site is a debris field containing remnants of the Kreetan Company’s lumber docks, sawmill artifacts, and timber cuttings, offering a hauntingly beautiful look at the area’s once-thriving lumber trade.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the TROY is primarily of interest to snorkelers and kayakers due to its shallow depth and fragmented state. Divers may find the site less appealing, but its proximity to the surface and surrounding artifacts makes it an intriguing spot for those exploring the area by paddle or snorkel.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”troy-1872″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The TROY stands as a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ lumber transportation era, her remains nestled in the serene waters of Scammon Cove. While her imposing form has been eroded by time, the fragments left behind tell a story of industrial ingenuity, perseverance, and the challenges of early maritime commerce. For those seeking a blend of history and exploration, the TROY’s resting place is a unique and evocative destination.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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