Intact schooner that sank in 1894 found in Lake Huron

[Tradd]

The Ironton went down in 1894 after a collision. Her captain and crew got into a lifeboat but the ship went down, dragging the filled lifeboat under. They hadn’t had time to cut the rope attaching it to the ship.

Too deep for me to dive. Around 300ish ft deep.

NOAA announcement as it’s in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/mar23/ironton-discovery.html?fbclid=IwAR3Eqvdg95dIHRn0gqw_p9yDu2 FO_QDCPIkLwmudzT8de9iMP5h-FFNk9f4

https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/03/long-lost-ship-found-in-lake-huron-confirming-its-tragic-story.html

[littlebittybobby]

Okay---I read that there are estimated to be about 3 million shipwrecks, worldwide, and most of them have not been found or recovered or explored. So, yeah---that's a lot. I also read about the enormous Russian Submarine that well--sunk---permanently with it's crew of 80. Also, a U.S. WW2 sub that had been sinking Japanese ships aplenty, until a depth charge found it. But yeah---the Great Lakes, no doubt there are a number o' commercial ships in them. Did they ever locate the Edmund Fitzgerald? Just Curious. 52385239

[early morning]

Thanks for sharing that, Tradd, and for reminding me it's time for another visit to Alpena! There are some wonderful museums on the Great Lakes - they are such treasures.

[LDAHL]

The Wisconsin state flag includes a sailor and anchor. It also includes a badger, plow, hammer and thirteen lead ingots. Oddly enough, no cow or cheese. It’s a very busy piece of vexillology.

[Tradd]

Speaking of WI, I’m now a volunteer for the WI State Historical Society. My WI cave/rebreather instructor is one of their maritime archaeologists. They put out reports detailing their field work and that’s what I am editing, as well as some other documents. I would absolutely love to volunteer as a diver, but my work schedule doesn’t allow it. All weekdays and often last minute.

The reports are fascinating to read and it’s stuff I’d likely read anyway. They are very happy to have my help.

[LDAHL]

I had very good luck working with the WI Office of the State Archeologist on updating property records for old cemeteries.

[Tradd]

I had very good luck working with the WI Office of the State Archeologist on updating property records for old cemeteries.

The new state archaeologist, Jim Skibo, is apparently quite the gem.

[Tradd]

Thanks for sharing that, Tradd, and for reminding me it's time for another visit to Alpena! There are some wonderful museums on the Great Lakes - they are such treasures.

I will be diving in Alpena in late summer.

[dado potato]

Tradd,

Kudos for your involvement with the WI State Historical Society.
With respect for the memory of all who drowned, I believe it is good to learn 5WH about a given shipwreck: who, what, when, where, why and how?

[Tradd]

Tradd,

Kudos for your involvement with the WI State Historical Society.
With respect for the memory of all who drowned, I believe it is good to learn 5WH about a given shipwreck: who, what, when, where, why and how?

I do a good bit of research before diving a wreck that’s new to me. And yes, I remember those who went down with the ship if there were deaths.

[ToomuchStuff]

Did they ever locate the Edmund Fitzgerald? Just Curious.

Yes, and proof that one of Gordon Lightfoots lyrics didn't happen (that was a lyric about crew failure) and he changed the lyric after that.