Alger Underwater Preserve & Munising · United States · Wreck · Freshwater
Manhattan
A giant rudder with its depth markings still legible
The Manhattan is a 77 m (252 ft) wooden steamer that sheltered from a Lake Superior storm in October 1903, then struck a reef and burned when her steering failed as she left the next day. Her remains lie in 6 to 12 m (20 to 40 ft) off the east shore of Grand Island, and divers come for the hull framing and the huge rudder, which still shows its depth markings.
Where it is and how deep
46.4674° N, 86.6093° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The steamer burned to the waterline and was partly salvaged, so what remains is spread over a shallow bottom from 6 m (20 ft) down to 12 m (40 ft). The hull framing is still there to follow, along with her enormous rudder, where the depth markings remain visible.
The wreck
- Vessel
- Manhattan
- Type
- Wooden steamer
- Length
- 77 m (253 ft)
- Sunk
- 1903
- Cause
- Steering failed on leaving harbour on 26 October 1903; she struck a reef, caught fire and burned to the waterline
- Lies
- Remains spread over 6 to 12 m (20 to 40 ft)
Marine life and season
- Freshwater fish
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-season | Off-season | Off-season | Off-season | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Off-season | Off-season |
Season follows Alger Underwater Preserve & Munising: The diving season runs from mid-May to early October, and charters need booking in advance.
Dive videos
Manhattan wreck -Munising · Dan VK on YouTube
Sources
- Alger Underwater Preserve — Michigan Underwater Preserves Council
- Dive Shipwrecks at the Alger Underwater Preserve — Munising Visitors Bureau
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