A couple of small vessels carrying 7 divers launched onto Lake Michigan October 2nd, 2021 to dive a sunken vessel found (Can't really say discovered because it might be a well known ship to others on an informal or formal level.) near Gulliver Michigan. The divers weren't sure what the ships name was or how long it may have been there but do understand that sometimes Great Lakes raises from the grave 100+ year old nautical time capsules in places they weren't there before. The local divers call it the "unknown boat" and label it on their GPS as such.
After diving and taking a closer examination, pictures and film it might be helpful to pinpoint whether or not that boat has already been listed somewhere (Chances are it has been logged.). The research side is part of the fun because you have to look at maps, logs, compare pictures, request information, etc... When you have touched a piece of history up close and receive new information that helps you solve the puzzle of where it came from, the process of gaining new knowledge can be very exciting!
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| Likely very similar in design to another schooner found in the area R. Kanters |
Chances are that the ship has been discovered prior but as of yet I haven't come up with anything during a brief review of the literature. I came close with a similar discovered ship last year in the area that has parallel characteristics as this boat; a late 1800's schooner model (I think 🤷). Unfortunately that one was closer/on shore and not in as good shape as the one we were diving (You can see the haul, mast, nails, design, etc... in the video).
Thus after a quick review just to make sure I don't miss something obvious (which I sometimes do...actually often. 😬) I sent Gulliver Historical Society an email with hopes they may know right away the name of the boat and its history (Which I will post information on the blog if I get and it can be shared.) On the off chance they don't know the vessel, I will then contact MSRA and see what they think (Again...its very possible the boat is known and listed somewhere but none of the seasoned local divers in the group seemed to have any real facts....and they like to have facts on a sunk ship....part of the archeological-explorer life and story telling. Explorer Types love to talk about their ships. Sixteen Personalities-Explorer)
You may also read the following article on shipwreck case study methods and the scientific method in an actual published study. (Notice the sections and activities involved in archeology type research.)
Sites:
National Park Service provides some information on how to document shipwrecks. Collecting and sharing information can lead to better preservation of the artifacts and historical cataloging of the ship (Assuming it wasn't done already).
Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) is The organization’s work includes research and documentation of submerged ships and the development educational resources. (I'm trying to make a solid video for educational purposes.) .Article HERE (They would be a good source to contact if the local historical society doesn't have anything to add.)
A website Shipwreck Explorers doesn't list any schooners in the area so I can't say when they were last updated because one was found last year 2020. HERE
An article by Smithsonian Magazine indicates a late 1800 schooner was discovered in the area near shore. Our bow was still intact but the age and model appear similar. The one they discussed in their article is the "20th-century schooner named after part-owner Rokus Kanters, a marine contractor and the former mayor of Holland, Michigan" (Fox April 30, 2020, para 2). HERE
Another great site Michigan Shipwrecks doesn't show a shipwreck at our location. Location Map
NOAA also didn't show a shipwreck in the area. HERE...........so we will wait to see what the historians say. Don't get too excited!
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