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Lake Michigan Shipwreck: Havana
Date: August 11
Built in 1871, the HAVANA was a 306 ton, two-masted schooner. During her career, the 135 foot HAVANA ran aground near the thumb in Lake Huron and was subsequently salvaged and repaired at Port Huron.
On October 3, 1887, the HAVANA was bound for St. Joseph from Escanaba with a load of iron ore. Because the seas were running high as she approached St. Joseph, she was unable to enter the harbor. The captain set anchor just outside the harbor and the hold began to take on water. Unable to signal a tug, she drifted north of St. Joseph and foundered. The crew of seven scrambled into the rigging, but three men were drowned when the main mast fell.
Today she lies in approximately 52 feet of water eight miles north of Benton harbor, and about one mile from shore. The upper works of the ship are gone, leaving the keelson and both sides laying flat along the bottom. The centerboard trunk is still in place and rises 5 to 6 feet above the bottom.
Although zebra mussels are colonizing the wreck, there is still much to see. The bottom is primarily fine sand which can be stirred up easily. Different portions of the wreck may be visible as the sand shifts. Burbot and perch are commonly seen at this site.
COST:
$65
Package Includes:
1-tank charter on shipwreck. Departure time: 6:30PM
$65
Package Includes:
1-tank charter on shipwreck. Departure time: 6:30PM
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