V. SWAIN

• Other Names: None
• Official No.: 25888
• Type at Loss: Propeller, wood, bulk freight
• Build Info: 1874, W.J. Miller, Cleveland
• Specs: 187’ x 34’ x 14’ (57 x 10 x 4 m), 955 gross tons, 817 net tons
• Date of Loss: November 7, 1907
• Place of Loss: Howard’s Pocket, near Superior, Wisconsin Lake Superior
• Type of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life:None
• Carrying: None

Detail:

The V. SWAIN, a wooden Propeller Steamer, was destroyed by fire on November 7, 1907, while docked in Howard’s Pocket, near Superior, Wisconsin. The vessel had been laid up at the dock since 1903, after it had sprung a leak and sunk. It was during this period of disrepair that the fire broke out, and the vessel was burned to a Total Loss.

At the time of the fire, the LAFAYETTE, another Steamer, was docked beside the V. SWAIN, and its salvaged after end had been attached. The fire ultimately led to the abandonment of the V. SWAIN, which was officially reported as Abandoned in 1908.

James E. Sheehan of Detroit had purchased the V. SWAIN from its underwriters in 1906 and had intended to restore the vessel, but it was lost to fire before any significant repairs could be made.

The vessel had undergone major repairs in 1877, 1882, and 1883 during its active service.

Sources:

• Bowling Green State University  (Historical Great Lakes Vessels)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes