Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Vega
- Type: Wooden cargo schooner
- Year Built: 1856
- Builder: Bates & Son
- Dimensions: Approximately 246 ft (75 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 500–600 gt
- Depth at Wreck Site: 9.14 m / 30 ft
- Location: Near Milwaukee entrance, South Fox Island
- Official Number: 22581
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden cargo schooner—Lake Michigan freighter
Description
The Vega was a wooden cargo schooner built in 1856 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by Bates & Son. She was approximately 246 feet in length and had a registered tonnage of around 500 to 600 gross tons, although exact figures vary across sources.
History
On October 20, 1905, the Vega departed Cecil Bay, near Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin, laden with cordwood and slabs, bound for Milwaukee. During her voyage, she encountered the “Big Storm of October 1905,” which brought hurricane-force winds and massive waves. While attempting to enter Milwaukee Harbor, the vessel was violently thrown against the pier by the surge and surf, leading to hull breaches and rapid flooding. The ship sank near the harbor entrance, with all five crew members surviving the incident.
Significant Incidents
- October 20, 1905: Caught in a severe storm, the Vega was blown onto the pier in Milwaukee Harbor, resulting in hull failure and sinking.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Vega was initially left in place, but over time, storms and salvage activities caused the hull to break into pieces. A survey conducted near South Fox Island indicates a scattered shallow-water wreck site, with machinery and hull debris visible under 30 to 40 feet of water near the entrance lane. Photographs taken in 1907 show the wreck in three pieces, confirming structural collapse following the grounding.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site of the Vega is accessible for diving, with visible debris and remains documented through recent drone or ROV footage. The site serves as a reminder of the maritime hazards faced by early 20th-century vessels on the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”vega-us-22581″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Vega highlights the dangers faced by small coastal freighters during extreme weather conditions on Lake Michigan. Her remains lie in shallow water, providing a significant site for divers interested in maritime history and shipwreck exploration.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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