Lake Name: Lake Superior
Shipwreck Name: Comet
Shipwreck Pictures
Vessel Type: Wood propeller steamer tug
Location: Whitefish Bay, MI
Vessel Build Info: 1857, Peck & Masters, Cleveland
Shipwreck Specs: 181x29x13, 744 t.
Official Number: 5683
Names Other: none
Sinking Detail
While trying to pass the Beatty Line steamer MANITOBA on a foggy night, signals were misunderstood and COMET veered into the path of MANITOBA and was rammed on the port side about 25 feet aft of the stem, cutting her nearly in two. She sank in 5 minutes or less and lies in 300 feet of water. Owned by Hanna Co. of Cleveland. Bound Marquette for Cleveland.
Loss Date: 8/26/1875
Loss Place: 7 mi SE of Whitefish Pt., Whitefish Bay
Loss Life: 11 of 21
Loss Reason: Collision
Vessel Cargo: Ores and pig iron, sacks of wool
Shipwreck Description
At a depth of 230 feet the Comet presents a serious challenge to any diver. Extraordinary skill is required to perform meaningful tasks at this depth. Further, the Comet presents a hazardous tangle of broken timbers and cables at its resting place in Whitefish Bay.
Dive Type: Technical
Depth Deck(ft): 210 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 230 ft
Depth Deck(m): 64 m
Depth Bottom(m): 70 m