1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Batchawana, originally built as the Robert A. Packer in 1881 by W.S. Crosthwaite in Bay City, Michigan, was a wooden propeller bulk freighter. With a gross tonnage of 921 tons and a net tonnage of 770 tons, the vessel was designed to transport large quantities of dry bulk cargo, such as grain, ore, coal, or lumber. The vessel was 209 feet (63.7 meters) long, 33 feet (10.1 meters) in beam, and had a depth of 16 feet (4.9 meters). The Batchawana operated as a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry, particularly after its sale to Canadian owners in 1906.
3. HISTORY #
The Robert A. Packer was launched in 1881 as a wooden propeller bulk freighter built by W.S. Crosthwaite in Bay City, Michigan. The vessel served the Great Lakes region, transporting bulk goods essential to the economy of the area. In 1906, the vessel was sold to Canadian owners and renamed Batchawana, signaling a potential shift in its operational routes or management.
On June 27, 1907 (with some sources indicating June 21), the Batchawana met a tragic end. The vessel caught fire off Coppermine Point, Ontario, on Lake Superior, and despite efforts to save the ship, it was burned to a total loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported among the crew during the incident. The exact details of the cargo being carried at the time are not specified, but as a bulk freighter, the Batchawana would have been transporting dry cargo such as grain, coal, or lumber.
The sale of the Batchawana to Canadian owners in 1906 marked a significant moment in the vessel’s history, potentially altering its trading routes or the nature of its operations. However, just a year later, the vessel’s career was cut short by the devastating fire.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Batchawana was completely destroyed by fire on June 27, 1907, off Coppermine Point, Ontario, in Lake Superior. The vessel was burned to a total loss, with the remains likely scattered or submerged in the area. Despite the severity of the incident, there were no casualties among the crew, marking a fortunate outcome in a tragic event.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Batchawana. However, mariners navigating near Coppermine Point should be aware of the potential underwater hazards associated with the remains of the vessel.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the Batchawana’s wreck off Coppermine Point, Ontario, in Lake Superior is not specified. The site of the fire and subsequent loss has been known since the time of the incident in 1907.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The condition of the Batchawana’s wreck is not documented in available records. Given the nature of the fire that destroyed the vessel, it is likely that the wreck is severely deteriorated or scattered. The specific depth and accessibility of the wreck remain unknown, and further exploration would be required to assess its current state.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The Batchawana’s history highlights the challenges faced by bulk freighters operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel’s transition from the Robert A. Packer to the Batchawana, and its eventual loss to fire, reflect the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping and the risks involved in maritime operations. The incident off Coppermine Point serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of wooden vessels to fire, even on the expansive and often dangerous waters of Lake Superior.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the lack of specific information regarding the depth and condition of the Batchawana’s wreck, diving details are limited. However, if the site were to be explored, it would likely require advanced diving skills due to the potential deterioration of the wreck and the historical significance of the site. Divers should approach the site with caution and respect for the wreck’s historical context.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Wooden Bulk Freighter
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The wooden propeller bulk freighter Batchawana, originally launched as the Robert A. Packer in 1881, played a significant role in the transportation of bulk goods on the Great Lakes before meeting its tragic end in 1907. The fire that destroyed the vessel off Coppermine Point, Ontario, serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by maritime vessels of the time. The wreck of the Batchawana remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Superior.
