Ironsides
Ship:
Dive Type: Rubble Wreck Water Body: Lake Michigan Water Type: Lake
Area: Location:
GPS: Lat Log - approx
Site Map: Directions:
Depth:
Skill Level*:
Description:
Schooner, wood, 2-mast; Built 1871, 135 feet x 26x 11; Place of loss : 1 mi out, 5 miles N of St. Joseph, MI Lost in storm – 7 crew- 3 dies; Carrying : iron ore She was overloaded, she foundered in a gale. The survivors climbed the rigging of the mainmast as she went down. This came loose and shot 25 ft. into the air, but the tug HANNAH SULLIVAN was there to take them off. SULLIVAN’s crew got lifesaving medals for their heroic efforts. The wreck was located by a crew looking for a prop. The wreck lies in 50 feet of water with keelson, centerboard trunk, hanging knees, and floor framing exposed so divers can get a good view of this ship’s construction.
Current condition of the vessel is pretty broken up with lots of sand. Most of the exposed wood is covered in Zebra/Quaga mussels with boards recently exposed of sand being clear. The anchor chain is buried in the sand and stretched out to the anchor also now buried. Fish like to take refuge on the site with the most abundant being the goby and schulpin.
Items of interest / lore:
Access: Boat via Public Access Boat Ramp
Fees: $6 for use of the Public boat launches in __________
Amenities:
Who has dove here:.
Dive History:
Site Links: Site Photos: Photo of:
Link to dives:*(1 = Novice, 5 = Advanced, 10 = Technical)
