Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Beneath the waves of Lake Huron rests the mighty schooner JOHN L. SHAW.
🔹GPS: N44° 37.000’ W83° 08.000’
🔹Length: 217 ft | Beam: 39 ft
🔹Depth: 128 ft
🔹Gross Tonnage: 928
🔹Cargo: Coal
Launched in 1885 in West Bay City, Michigan, this 217-foot, three-masted schooner met its fate on November 13, 1894. While being towed across Lake Huron with a load of coal bound for Chicago, a blinding snowstorm off Harrisville caused the tow line to part. Helpless and taking on water, the crew abandoned ship and were later rescued — but the storm claimed the SHAW.
Forgotten for over a century, the wreck was rediscovered in July 2007 by a local fisherman. Today, resting about seven miles offshore in 130 feet of water, SHAW's massive hull still stands impressively intact — though the starboard side now lies collapsed on the lakebed.
A powerful reminder of Lake Huron’s unforgiving storms and the enduring stories of Maritime and Michigan history resting beneath its surface.
Learn more about JOHN L. SHAW at: thunderbay.noaa.gov/shipwrecks/john_l_shaw.html
Footage by Inspired Planet Productions
Music from Universal Production Music
Beneath the waves of Lake Huron rests the mighty schooner JOHN L. SHAW.
🔹GPS: N44° 37.000’ W83° 08.000’
🔹Length: 217 ft | Beam: 39 ft
🔹Depth: 128 ft
🔹Gross Tonnage: 928
🔹Cargo: Coal
Launched in 1885 in West Bay City, Michigan, this 217-foot, three-masted schooner met its fate on November 13, 1894. While being towed across Lake Huron with a load of coal bound for Chicago, a blinding snowstorm off Harrisville caused the tow line to part. Helpless and taking on water, the crew abandoned ship and were later rescued — but the storm claimed the SHAW.
Forgotten for over a century, the wreck was rediscovered in July 2007 by a local fisherman. Today, resting about seven miles offshore in 130 feet of water, SHAW's massive hull still stands impressively intact — though the starboard side now lies collapsed on the lakebed.
A powerful reminder of Lake Huron’s unforgiving storms and the enduring stories of Maritime and Michigan history resting beneath its surface.
Learn more about JOHN L. SHAW at: thunderbay.noaa.gov/shipwrecks/john_l_shaw.html
Footage by Inspired Planet Productions
Music from Universal Production Music
