Salvage!

The Steamer “Minnehaha” was salvaged from the depths of Minnetonka in 1980. I have a little book written by Jerry Provost about the undertaking. It is fun to read and authentic, with vintage photos of the  salvage operation. Their effort demands thanks, and admiration.

“It turned out to be a little bit tougher that we originally thought to get the boat up out of the mud and to the surface. Boating enthusiasts and sightseers were gathering around the working barges. The well wishers were creating a work hazard.”

On another day a diving situatuion became critical: A loud scream was heard over the underwater mike, and then the diver went quiet. Other divers scrambled to get down and release one of the divers who had became pinned beneat the hull.
The weight of the water and hull pressing down upon him.

On day 7:“The divers spent eight long hours under water today. Finally accomplishing running a strap under the boats stern. A third Minnetonka dredge crane was made ready and brought to the site. Eventually both Niccum and I had everthing we owned on the Lake”


Their commitment to this salvage was impressive, and rare.
Today we can see the ship sail the lake and can enjoy its historic beauty.