J. S. Seaverns
The J. S. Seaverns was a cargo ship that was built August, 1880 in Saugatuck, Michigan and sank May 10, 1884.
Details
Boat Type: Cargo Ship
Date of Service Start: August, 1880
Date of Service End: May 10, 1884
Shipwrecked: Yes
Notes
The Seaverns, a passenger propeller, was built in 1880 using the hull of the J.P. Ward (which itself had already lived several lives since being built as a sidewheel tug in 1857). In May 1884, it ran onto a reef while backing away from a Michipicoten Harbor dock. During a salvage attempt, the ship foundered and sank.
Sources and Further Learning
A video from CNN on the wreck discovery in 2016.
Sources and Further Learning
Shipwreck Information
The Seaverns sank during calm weather. As she was backing away from the dock, the struck a rock and began taking on water. Because of the calm water, she went down on an even keel. There was no loss of life. The cold freshwater of Lake Superior helped to preserve the wreck. Its anchors are still on the deck.