Shipwreck Report: Alfred P. Wright

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Alfred P. Wright
  • Registry: U.S.
  • Official Number: 106539
  • Vessel Type: Wood Bulk Freighter
  • Year Built: 1888
  • Year Sank: 1915
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: None (freighter powered by tow)
  • Dimensions
  • Length: 286 ft (87.17 m)
  • Width: 41.5 ft (12.65 m)
  • Depth: 22 ft (6.71 m)

Vessel History

The Alfred P. Wright was a large wooden bulk freighter built in 1888, designed to transport heavy cargo such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. Wooden freighters like the Wright were significant in the transition from sail to steam-powered and steel-hulled shipping, though many were still towed by steamers.

The vessel sank in 1915 in Lake Superior, near Michigan. While specific details of its sinking are unclear, its loss may have been due to structural stress, bad weather, or a navigational mishap—common hazards faced by wooden bulk freighters of the era.

For more historical details:

3D Model Alfred P. Wright

Alfred Wright by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Wreck Site Information

  • Lake: Lake Superior
  • State/Province: Michigan
  • Depth: 20 ft (6.10 m)
  • GPS Coordinates: N 46° 57.935′, W 88° 26.529′

Site Description:

The Alfred P. Wright wreck site is largely buried in sand and consists mainly of the bottom Hull structure:

• Hull Remnants:

• Bottom of Hull: The most prominent feature of the site.

• Sides: Appear broken and are mostly buried in sand.

• Notable Artifacts and Features:

• Engine Bed: The foundation where the engine was mounted, still visible.

• Shaft Log: A structural element housing the propeller shaft, extant on the site.

• Steel Strapping: Partially visible on the starboard side, a feature reinforcing the wooden Hull.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At a shallow depth of 20 ft (6.10 m), the wreck is accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.

• Visibility:

Lake Superior’s clear, cold waters typically provide excellent Visibility, though sediment and weather conditions can occasionally reduce clarity.

• Preservation Status:

The site is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing artifacts or structural remains.

Site Significance

The Alfred P. Wright provides a valuable glimpse into the construction and operation of wooden bulk freighters during the late 19th century. Its intact bottom Hull and visible artifacts such as the engine bed, shaft log, and steel strapping demonstrate the techniques used to reinforce and operate large wooden ships during an era of rapid industrial expansion on the Great Lakes.

The shallow location and accessibility of the wreck make it a significant site for education, recreational diving, and maritime archaeology, preserving the legacy of wooden bulk freighters in the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Keywords:

Alfred P. Wright shipwreck, Lake Superior wrecks, wooden bulk freighters, Great Lakes maritime history, shallow wreck dives, shipbuilding reinforcement techniques.