Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A.D. Patchin
- Type: Wooden sidewheel steamer
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: J.M. Keating
- Dimensions: Length 226 ft (68.9 m); Beam 29 ft (8.8 m); Depth of hold 14 ft (4.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 873 tons (approx. 791.6 metric tonnes)
- Location: Skillagalee Reef, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: None
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden sidewheel steamer, primarily used for passenger and package freight services on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
Description
The A.D. Patchin was a substantial wooden sidewheel steamer, measuring 226 feet in length and 29 feet in beam. Designed for passenger and package freight transport, she was a significant vessel of her time, facilitating commerce and travel across the Great Lakes.
History
Constructed in 1846 by J.M. Keating in Trenton, Michigan, the A.D. Patchin served as a passenger and package freight steamer on the Great Lakes. On September 27, 1850, while navigating towards the Grays Reef Passage, the vessel was set off course by strong currents and stranded on Skillagalee Reef. Despite initial assessments indicating minimal damage, the vessel was firmly grounded. Over the ensuing two months, multiple salvage attempts were thwarted by persistent foul weather. Ultimately, in late November, a severe storm broke the vessel apart, rendering her a total loss. Fortunately, there were no fatalities associated with the incident.
Significant Incidents
- September 27, 1850: The A.D. Patchin stranded on Skillagalee Reef due to navigational error.
- November 1850: A severe storm broke the vessel apart, leading to her total loss.
Final Disposition
The A.D. Patchin was declared a total loss following the November storm that broke her apart. There are no records indicating that any part of the vessel was salvaged.
Current Condition & Accessibility
In 2014, diver Ross Richardson discovered what he believes to be the wreckage of the A.D. Patchin near Skillagalee Island. The remains include portions of a large wooden sidewheel steamer consistent with the dimensions and construction of the A.D. Patchin.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”a-d-patching-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the A.D. Patchin underscores the navigational challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss contributed to the recognition of the need for improved navigational aids, leading to the construction of the Skillagalee Lighthouse in 1850. The discovery of her remains by modern divers provides a tangible connection to this pivotal period in maritime history.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
The A.D. Patchin was a wooden sidewheel steamer that met its fate on Skillagalee Reef in Lake Michigan in 1850. Below is a detailed account of the vessel’s specifications, history, and final disposition.(Manistee News Advocate)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A.D. Patchin
- Former Names: None
- Official Number: None
- Date Built and Launched: 1846, constructed by J.M. Keating in Trenton, Michigan
- Measurements:
- Length: 226 feet (68.9 metres)
- Beam: 29 feet (8.8 metres)
- Depth: 14 feet (4.3 metres)
- Gross Tonnage: 873 tons (approx. 791.6 metric tonnes)
- Date Lost: September 27, 1850 (often erroneously reported as 1853)
- Cause: Navigational error
- Cargo at Time of Loss: General merchandise
- Place of Loss: Skillagalee Reef, Lake Michigan(linkstothepast.com, Wikipedia, ResearchGate, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Vessel Type
Wooden sidewheel steamer, primarily used for passenger and package freight services on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Description
The A.D. Patchin was a substantial wooden sidewheel steamer, measuring 226 feet in length and 29 feet in beam. Designed for passenger and package freight transport, she was a significant vessel of her time, facilitating commerce and travel across the Great Lakes.(Wikipedia)
History
Constructed in 1846 by J.M. Keating in Trenton, Michigan, the A.D. Patchin served as a passenger and package freight steamer on the Great Lakes. On September 27, 1850, while navigating towards the Grays Reef Passage, the vessel was set off course by strong currents and stranded on Skillagalee Reef. Despite initial assessments indicating minimal damage, the vessel was firmly grounded. Over the ensuing two months, multiple salvage attempts were thwarted by persistent foul weather. Ultimately, in late November, a severe storm broke the vessel apart, rendering her a total loss. Fortunately, there were no fatalities associated with the incident. (linkstothepast.com, Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
The A.D. Patchin was declared a total loss following the November storm that broke her apart. There are no records indicating that any part of the vessel was salvaged.
Located By & Date Found
In 2014, diver Ross Richardson discovered what he believes to be the wreckage of the A.D. Patchin near Skillagalee Island. The remains include portions of a large wooden sidewheel steamer consistent with the dimensions and construction of the A.D. Patchin. (Manistee News Advocate, Patch)
Notmars & Advisories
Skillagalee Reef remains a navigational hazard in Lake Michigan. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating near the reef.(linkstothepast.com)
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The wreck of the A.D. Patchin underscores the navigational challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss contributed to the recognition of the need for improved navigational aids, leading to the construction of the Skillagalee Lighthouse in 1850. The discovery of her remains by modern divers provides a tangible connection to this pivotal period in maritime history.(Patch)
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: A.D. Patchin, Lake Michigan shipwreck, Skillagalee Reef, 1850 shipwreck, sidewheel steamer
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, 19th Century Steamships
- Glossary Terms:
- Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels mounted on the sides.
- Navigational Error: A mistake in the course or direction of a vessel, often leading to grounding or collision.
- Skillagalee Reef: A hazardous reef in Lake Michigan, known for causing numerous shipwrecks.(Benzie Record Patriot, Manistee News Advocate)