Shipwreck Report: Falcon (aka Kate Buttironi)
Identification & Site Information
- • Name(s): Falcon (formerly Kate Buttironi)
- • Registry: United States
- • Official Number: 14393
- • Vessel Type: Bulk Freighter
- • Builder: George King
- • Place Built: Marine City, Michigan
- • Year Built: 1881
- • Year Sank: November 7, 1901
- • Hull Material: Wood
- • Masts: Not specified
- • Engines: None
Dimensions
- • Length: 174.5 ft (53.2 m)
- • Width: 31 ft (9.4 m)
- • Depth: 20 ft (6.1 m)
Vessel History
The Falcon, initially known as Kate Buttironi, was a wooden bulk freighter built in 1881 in Marine City, Michigan, by George King. It was primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and iron ore, reflecting the thriving industrial trade on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
The Falcon’s career came to an abrupt end on November 7, 1901, when it stranded on South Fox Island, Lake Michigan, during harsh weather conditions. The ship’s loss illustrates the hazards faced by freighters navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes waters.
References:
Wreck Site Information
• Lake: Michigan
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 25 ft (7.6 m)
• GPS Coordinates: 45° 23.286′ N, 85° 52.098′ W
Site Description:
The wreck of the Falcon lies splayed out on the lakebed near South Fox Island in shallow water. While much of the vessel has disintegrated over time, key features remain visible, making it a notable site for divers and maritime historians.
Dive Considerations
- • Depth: At 25 ft (7.6 m), the site is accessible to divers and snorkelers of all experience levels.
- • Accessibility: The shallow depth and clear waters of Lake Michigan provide good Visibility and ease of exploration.
- • Visibility: Often excellent due to the sandy lakebed and shallow location.
- • Noteworthy Features: The spread-out wreckage offers a unique opportunity to examine the remnants of a 19th-century bulk freighter.
Keywords, Categories & Glossary
• Keywords: Falcon, Kate Buttironi, Lake Michigan Shipwreck, Bulk Freighter, South Fox Island
• Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Wooden Vessels, 19th-Century Freighters
• Glossary:
• Bulk Freighter: A ship designed for the transportation of unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grain or ore.
• Stranded: A vessel that has run aground or been intentionally beached.
• Splayed Out: A wreck configuration where the structure is spread widely across the lakebed due to disintegration or impact.
3D Model – Falcon
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