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The Thomas Hume shipwreck, resting deep within Lake Michigan, is more than just a sunken vessel; it’s a captivating piece of history and a premier destination for experienced divers. For over a century, this schooner remained one of the Great Lakes’ most perplexing disappearances, fueling tales of maritime mystery. Today, its remarkably preserved remains offer an unparalleled window into 19th-century Great Lakes shipping and the lives of its crew.

A Legacy of Lumber: The Thomas Hume’s Story

Originally built as the H.C. Albrecht in 1870, this three-masted schooner was designed for the demanding lumber trade, ferrying timber from Muskegon to Chicago. Renamed Thomas Hume in 1883 after one of its owners, the 132-foot vessel was known for its robust construction, even undergoing significant reinforcements. Its life was dedicated to the vital flow of lumber across Lake Michigan.

The Unexplained Vanishing: May 21, 1891

The Thomas Hume embarked on its final, ill-fated voyage on May 21, 1891. Departing Chicago empty and riding high, it headed back to Muskegon with a crew of seven. As a squall intensified on Lake Michigan, its companion ship, the Rouse Simmons, turned back. The Thomas Hume pressed on and was never seen again.

For over a hundred years, the complete absence of wreckage fueled wild theories. Was it stolen and repainted? Did a larger steamer collide with it and cover it up? Some even linked its disappearance to the “Michigan Triangle,” an area of Lake Michigan known for unexplained maritime losses. The lack of any trace only deepened the enigma.

A Century Later: Discovery and Preservation

The century-long mystery of the Thomas Hume finally ended in 2006. Taras Lysenko of A&T Recovery located the schooner almost completely intact at a significant depth in the southern part of Lake Michigan. The deep, cold, freshwater environment acted as a natural preservative, explaining its incredible condition and why no surface debris was ever found. This pristine state makes it an invaluable historical artifact.

Following its discovery, the Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates (MSRA) and Chicago underwater explorers confirmed its identity through meticulous survey dives and historical research.

Diving the Thomas Hume: A Preserved Time Capsule

Today, the Thomas Hume is an extraordinary dive site, offering experienced divers a unique journey into the past. Located about 24 miles offshore of New Buffalo, Michigan (or 20 miles southeast of Chicago), the wreck sits upright on the lakebed, “remarkably intact” and “beautifully preserved.” Divers can observe the port bow anchor still in place, anchor chains spilling off, and the schooner’s mast lying across the deck.

Exploring the Thomas Hume requires careful planning and specialized skills due to its offshore location and depth. The deck rests at approximately 135 feet, with the anchors and hull extending to 150 feet, necessitating comfort and proficiency at such depths, often requiring technical dive training.

Double Action Dive Charters is proud to offer trips to this incredible historical site! Our charters provide the expertise and logistics needed for a safe and memorable dive to the Thomas Hume, allowing you to witness this beautifully preserved piece of Great Lakes history firsthand.

Echoes from the Deep: Artifacts and Ongoing Research

What makes the Thomas Hume truly special is the astounding volume and preservation of artifacts found within its hull. Unlike many wrecks, items such as clothing, shoes, cooking implements, and personal possessions of the crew remain largely intact. These artifacts transform the wreck into a poignant “time capsule,” offering rare insights into the daily lives and final moments of 19th-century sailors.

While the wreck’s discovery solved its location, the artifacts themselves raised new questions, fueling ongoing archaeological investigations by the MSRA and the Lakeshore Museum Center. Their work continues to piece together the precise details of the ship’s final hours.

Your Dive into History Awaits

The Thomas Hume’s journey from a bustling schooner to a century-long mystery, and now a remarkably preserved archaeological site, is a testament to maritime history. Its intact state and the wealth of artifacts it holds provide an unparalleled window into an important era of Great Lakes shipping.

Join Double Action Dive Charters for an unforgettable experience exploring the Thomas Hume shipwreck. Delve into the mystery, witness history preserved, and discover the enduring legacy of this magnificent vessel.