TOBOGGAN

• Other names: Unknown
• Official no.: (unregistered?)
• Type at loss: Scow, wood, self-unloading
• Build info: 1886, Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Milwaukee
• Specs: Approximately 150’ x 30’
• Date of loss: July 12, 1887
• Place of loss: 15 miles off Milwaukee, Lake Michigan
• Type of loss: Loading error
• Loss of life: None
• Carrying: 2,000 barrels of salt and 350,000 board feet of lumber

Detail:

The Toboggan was a self-unloading wooden scow built by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co. in 1886. On July 12, 1887, the vessel capsized and sank while being towed by the Steamer MARSHALL F. BUTTERS off Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. The scow was reportedly overloaded with 2,000 barrels of salt and 350,000 board feet of lumber, which likely contributed to the accident. When the scow began to list and capsize, the crew was able to escape by launching their Yawl, and fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

The Toboggan was engaged in the transport of bulk goods from Milwaukee, and it seems that an error during loading or cargo distribution may have led to its instability and eventual foundering. After capsizing, the vessel was lost at sea, and its wreck was presumably never recovered.

Notable Details:

• The Toboggan was out of Milwaukee, which was a major shipping hub on Lake Michigan.
• The incident was likely due to an overloading error during the loading process, a common cause of ship accidents in the 19th century.
• The crew was able to abandon the vessel and survive without fatalities.