Steamer Minneapolis
Lake Name: Lake Michigan
Shipwreck Name: Minneapolis
Vessel Type: Wooden Steamer (Propeller)
Location: Straits of Mackinac, MI
Vessel Build Info: 1873, Morley & Hill, Marine City
Shipwreck Specs: 226x34x11, 1072g 950n
Official Number: 90524
Names Other: none
Sinking Detail
Damaged by ice and then ran across rocky bottom near McGulpin Pt., causing her to leak profusely. She sank quickly after her fires were put out by the rising water. Her crew was rescued by the schooner SAN DIEGO, part of her tow. One crew-member claimed that she was holed by ice where her iron plating had been removed to repair the wooden hull and was not replaced.
Loss Date: 4/4/1894
Loss Place: Very close to the Mackinac Bridge
Loss Life: none
Loss Reason: Ice
Vessel Cargo: Wheat
Shipwreck Description
She sits upright, largely intact, with her bow broken off. The most interesting items on site are the steam engine, boiler, four-bladed propeller, and her smoke stack which is still upright and rises to a depth of 75ft. The large rudder broke off and lays next to the wreck entirely visible. The currents on this wreck can be strong so it is better to wait for a very calm day to go dive her.
Dive Type: Recreational
Depth Deck(ft): 92 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 122 ft
Depth Deck(m): 28 m
Depth Bottom(m): 37 m