Wreck Report: WASAGO (formerly WISSAHICKON)

Identification & Site Information

•Name: WASAGO (formerly WISSAHICKON)

•Type: Wooden Steamer, Package Freight Propeller

•Date Built: June 1, 1876

•Place Built: Not specified

•Dimensions:

•Length: 238 feet (72.5 meters)

•Beam: 35 feet (10.7 meters)

•Depth: 14 feet (4.3 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 1619 tons

•Net Tonnage: 1423 tons

•Final Location: Copper Harbor, Michigan, Lake Superior

•Depth at Wreck: 30 feet (9.1 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The WASAGO, originally built as WISSAHICKON, was a large wooden Steamer designed for package freight. It was built to handle the transportation of general cargo, such as farming machinery and supplies, across the Great Lakes. As a package freight propeller, the vessel had a powerful propulsion system and was capable of navigating the challenging waters of the region.

History

•Original Name: WISSAHICKON

•Year Built: 1876

•Renamed: WASAGO after its registration under the Canadian flag (C 117084).

•Primary Role: Transportation of cargo, particularly farming machinery and general supplies, between ports on the Great Lakes.

The Final Voyage

•Date of Loss: November 6, 1910

•Incident: The WASAGO burned to the waterline while taking shelter at Copper Harbor, Michigan, from heavy northwest gales on Lake Superior.

•Cargo: Farming machinery and supplies, valued as part of the vessel’s Total Loss of $200,000.

The fire broke out onboard as the ship sought refuge, and despite efforts to save the vessel, the flames consumed it entirely. The ship sank in 30 feet of water, leaving only its engines salvageable. The loss of the WASAGO occurred within a short period of multiple similar incidents, with the MORELAND and LANGHAM also burning and sinking in nearby areas.

Crew and Loss of Life

•Crew: 15 men and 1 woman.

•Casualties: None; all crew members escaped safely.

Final Disposition

The WASAGO was declared a Total Loss, and the vessel, along with its cargo, was Abandoned by underwriters. Its engines, however, were salvaged from the wreck.

Historical Significance

The loss of the WASAGO and the simultaneous destruction of the MORELAND and LANGHAM highlight the treacherous conditions faced by vessels on Lake Superior during the early 20th century. Fires onboard wooden steamers were a constant danger, particularly in rough weather when safe shelter and firefighting resources were limited.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•The wreck is in 30 feet of water near Copper Harbor, Michigan.

•Mariners and divers should note its location if accessible but exercise caution due to potential structural instability.

Tags

•Lake Superior Shipwrecks

•WASAGO

•WISSAHICKON

•Wooden Steamer

•Copper Harbor

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The sinking of the WASAGO (formerly WISSAHICKON) at Copper Harbor, Michigan, in 1910 underscores the perilous nature of shipping on the Great Lakes. Despite its tragic end, the vessel’s history reflects the vital role these ships played in regional commerce and their vulnerability to the harsh conditions of the time. Its legacy lives on as part of Lake Superior’s storied maritime history.