Shipwreck Report: Troy

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Troy
  • Registry: U.S.
  • Vessel Type: Propeller
  • Year Built: 1849
  • Year Sank: 1859
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: Single Expansion Steam Engine
  • Dimensions
  • Length: 163 ft (49.68 m)
  • Width: 21 ft (6.40 m)
  • Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)

Vessel History

The Troy was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven Steamship, constructed in 1849 during the early years of steam navigation on the Great Lakes. Propeller vessels like the Troy represented a significant advancement in maritime technology, offering better fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability compared to earlier Paddlewheel steamers.

The vessel served as a cargo and passenger transport ship during the peak of Great Lakes shipping expansion. The Troy sank in 1859 in Lake Huron, with its loss attributed to unknown circumstances, possibly related to adverse weather or mechanical failure.

For more historical information:

Wreck Site Information

  • Lake: Lake Huron
  • State/Province: Michigan
  • Depth: 94 ft (28.65 m)
  • GPS Coordinates: N 44° 08.654′, W 83° 01.940′

3D Model – Troy

Troy by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck of the Troy lies at a depth of 94 ft (28.65 m), with the Hull largely flattened and broken due to its long submersion and the weight of sediment over time. Despite its condition, several key components remain visible:

  • Engine: The tall single-expansion steam engine stands prominently at the site.
  • Boiler: Remains of the vessel’s boiler are extant.
  • Propeller: A key feature of the wreck, indicative of its propulsion system.

Other Artifacts:

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At 94 ft (28.65 m), the wreck is suitable for advanced recreational divers with proper training and equipment for deep dives.

• Visibility:

Lake Huron often provides good Visibility, but conditions can vary depending on weather and sediment levels.

• Preservation Status:

The wreck is a protected cultural site under Michigan’s maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to observe respectfully and not disturb artifacts.

Site Significance

The Troy offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Great Lakes steamships during the mid-19th century. Its propeller-driven design highlights the transition from Paddlewheel to more efficient propulsion methods. The surviving engine, boiler, and propeller provide valuable insights into the engineering of early steamships, while the presence of additional artifacts such as the Capstan and anchors makes it an important site for maritime archaeology.

Keywords:

Troy shipwreck, Lake Huron steamships, Great Lakes maritime history, propeller vessels, Michigan shipwrecks, advanced wreck diving.