Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Waverly US 80432

Explore the wreck of the Waverly, a 19th-century steam vessel resting in Lake Huron, showcasing significant maritime history and engineering advancements.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Waverly
  • Type: Propeller
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Builder: Buffalo, New York
  • Dimensions: 191.16 ft (58.27 m) X 33.58 ft (10.24 m); Depth: 13.33 ft (4.06 m)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 37.8 m / 124 ft
  • Location: Near Harbor Beach, Michigan
  • Coordinates: N 43° 45.872′, W 082° 30.816′
  • Official Number: 80432
  • Original Owners: Cleveland Gilchrist Fleet

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Waverly is classified as a propeller vessel, originally designed for package freight transport across the Great Lakes.

Description

The wreck of the Waverly lies at a depth of 124 ft (37.80 m) in Lake Huron. The site is heavily flattened and broken due to its long submersion, yet it contains numerous significant features and artifacts, including:

  • Machinery Components:
  • Steeple Compound Engine: A key artifact showcasing late 19th-century steam technology.
  • Firebox Boiler and Cradle: Visible near the main engine remnants.
  • Air Pump: Part of the steam propulsion system.
  • Deck and Hull Features:
  • Windlass: Located near the bow area.
  • Iron Stock Kedge Anchor: A notable feature on the deck.
  • Deck Winch: Evidence of the vessel’s cargo-handling capabilities.
  • Bilge Pump: Highlighting onboard water management systems.
  • Aft Capstan and Tow Bitts: Found near the stern.
  • Structural Features:
  • Keelson and Deck Stanchions: Remnants of the ship’s framework.
  • Anchor Chain: Much of it remains on-site, providing insight into the vessel’s anchoring systems.

History

The Waverly was originally constructed as a package freight propeller, designed to carry mixed cargo across the Great Lakes. In 1886, she underwent a conversion to a bulk freighter, adapting to the growing demand for bulk cargo transportation such as coal, grain, and iron ore. Built with robust wooden construction, the Waverly was a representative vessel of its time, supporting the expanding industrial and commercial needs of the region.

Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1874, the Waverly operated primarily out of Sandusky, Ohio, as part of the Cleveland Gilchrist Fleet. She was an essential part of the shipping network, transitioning from carrying diverse goods to becoming a bulk cargo vessel later in her career.

Significant Incidents

On July 22, 1903, the Waverly was transporting a load of coal when tragedy struck. Near Harbor Beach, Michigan, the vessel collided with the Canadian steamer Turret Court. The collision occurred when Turret Court’s wheel chains failed, leaving her unable to maneuver in time to avoid the Waverly. Despite the impact, the Waverly’s crew were all saved, an extraordinary feat for the time. The Waverly sank quickly following the collision, coming to rest at the bottom of Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

The wreck is protected under the Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve, and removal of artifacts is prohibited. Divers are encouraged to observe and document without disturbing the site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is heavily flattened and broken but remains a significant site for maritime historians and archaeologists. The presence of deck components, machinery, and anchor equipment makes the wreck an essential site for study.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Waverly provides a compelling look at 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, particularly the transition from wooden hulls and sail power to steam-driven vessels. Its steeple compound engine and other machinery offer valuable insights into the engineering advancements of the era. Located in the Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve, the Waverly is a preserved piece of Michigan’s rich maritime heritage, attracting divers and researchers alike.