Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Oconto
- Type: Wooden propeller steamboat
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Rand (hull); machinery salvaged from Skylark
- Dimensions: 142 ft (43.28 m) length; 28 ft (8.53 m) beam; 9.5 ft (2.90 m) draft
- Registered Tonnage: 535 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 54.86 m / 180 ft
- Location: Granite State Shoal, American Narrows, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: N44 18.750', W76 01.973'
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Originally Goodrich Transportation Co.; later private owners
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Oconto was a wooden-hulled propeller steamboat built for dual cargo and passenger service on the Great Lakes. Outfitted with repurposed machinery from the steamer Skylark, she was designed to navigate both open lake and inland waters. She featured accommodations suitable for West Shore tourist routes and was noted for her ruggedness and performance in severe weather.
Description
The Oconto was a wooden-hulled propeller steamboat built for dual cargo and passenger service on the Great Lakes. Outfitted with repurposed machinery from the steamer Skylark, she was designed to navigate both open lake and inland waters. She featured accommodations suitable for West Shore tourist routes and was noted for her ruggedness and performance in severe weather.
History
Commissioned by the Goodrich Transportation Company, the Oconto entered service in April 1872, initially operating out of Manitowoc and Green Bay, WI. She gained a reputation for surviving challenging weather that claimed other vessels, notably the Alpena.
On September 20, 1880, the Oconto was implicated in a catastrophic fire in Green Bay, WI, allegedly started by sparks from her smokestack. The fire destroyed over 60 dwellings, numerous barns, and key civic buildings. Multiple lawsuits ensued, culminating in a U.S. court trial where Goodrich successfully defended the company.
In December 1885, she grounded near Charity Island in Lake Huron during a blizzard. All hands survived, but the incident nearly voided her insurance, which expired later that day. She was salvaged, overhauled at Port Huron, and returned to service in summer 1886.
Significant Incidents
- September 20, 1880: Involved in a fire in Green Bay, WI, causing extensive damage and multiple lawsuits.
- December 1885: Grounded near Charity Island during a blizzard; all crew survived.
Final Disposition
On July 12, 1886, while unloading near Fisher’s Landing in the St. Lawrence River, the Oconto began to take on water and suddenly sank stern-first in deep water. One crewman, Joseph Jellie, narrowly escaped drowning. Initial salvage efforts failed. In a subsequent recovery attempt, the hull slipped down the slope of the channel and broke apart. She remains there in two main sections.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Exact discovery date unknown. Documented by sport divers and local researchers in the Thousand Islands region. No current NOTMARs. Divers should exercise extreme caution due to depth (140–180 ft) and strong currents in the American Narrows.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”oconto-1872″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Access to the Oconto is by boat only, with entry points available at Fisher’s Landing, NY, in the Thousand Islands region. Conditions can be challenging due to strong currents and low visibility. Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Other Names: None
Official Number: Unknown
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steamboat
Builder: Rand (hull); machinery salvaged from Skylark
Year Built: 1872
Dimensions: 142 ft (43.28 m) length; 28 ft (8.53 m) beam; 9.5 ft (2.90 m) draft
Tonnage: 535 gross tons
Cargo on Final Voyage: Mixed freight (partially unloaded)
Date of Loss: July 12, 1886
Location: Granite State Shoal, American Narrows, St. Lawrence River
Coordinates: N44 18.750′, W76 01.973′
Depth: 140–180 ft (42.67–54.86 m)
Home Port: Chicago, IL
Owners: Originally Goodrich Transportation Co.; later private owners
Crew: Approx. 25
Casualties: 1 (cook Charles Brown died of fright during prior 1885 wreck)
Description
The Oconto was a wooden-hulled propeller steamboat built for dual cargo and passenger service on the Great Lakes. Outfitted with repurposed machinery from the steamer Skylark, she was designed to navigate both open lake and inland waters. She featured accommodations suitable for West Shore tourist routes and was noted for her ruggedness and performance in severe weather.
History
Commissioned by the Goodrich Transportation Company, the Oconto entered service in April 1872, initially operating out of Manitowoc and Green Bay, WI. She gained a reputation for surviving challenging weather that claimed other vessels, notably the Alpena.
On September 20, 1880, the Oconto was implicated in a catastrophic fire in Green Bay, WI, allegedly started by sparks from her smokestack. The fire destroyed over 60 dwellings, numerous barns, and key civic buildings. Multiple lawsuits ensued, culminating in a U.S. court trial where Goodrich successfully defended the company.
In December 1885, she grounded near Charity Island in Lake Huron during a blizzard. All hands survived, but the incident nearly voided her insurance, which expired later that day. She was salvaged, overhauled at Port Huron, and returned to service in summer 1886.
Final Dispositions
On July 12, 1886, while unloading near Fisher’s Landing in the St. Lawrence River, the Oconto began to take on water and suddenly sank stern-first in deep water. One crewman, Joseph Jellie, narrowly escaped drowning. Initial salvage efforts failed. In a subsequent recovery attempt, the hull slipped down the slope of the channel and broke apart. She remains there in two main sections.
Located By & Date Found
Exact discovery date unknown. Documented by sport divers and local researchers in the Thousand Islands region.
Notmars & Advisories
No current NOTMARs. Divers should exercise extreme caution due to depth (140–180 ft) and strong currents in the American Narrows.
Dive Information
Access: Boat only
Entry Point: Fisher’s Landing, NY / Thousand Islands
Conditions: Strong current, low visibility
Depth Range: 140–180 ft (42.67–54.86 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Buffalo; local EMS in Jefferson County, NY
Permits: Not required, but site is hazardous
Dive Support: Technical dive charters in Alexandria Bay, NY region
Crew & Casualty Memorials
– Charles Brown (cook), died of fright during December 1885 grounding
– Joseph Jellie, survivor of 1886 sinking, narrowly escaped drowning
Search FindAGrave for further memorials
Documented Statements & Extracts
“Just before the Oconto struck, Charles Brown, a colored cook, died of fright. … The vessel was about a mile from land. As soon as the boat struck the crew began dealing out life preservers.” — Buffalo Daily Republic, Dec 12, 1885
“The ill-fated steamer Oconto … has gone to the bottom of Saginaw Bay … drifting nearly 20 miles.” — Saginaw Courier, April 13, 1886
“Yesterday while workmen were unloading the prop. Oconto … she began to sink. … Her topmast sticks above the surface a short distance.” — Kingston British Whig, July 13, 1886
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Originally registered in Chicago, IL. Insurance policies were active during 1885–1886 incidents. Coverage confirmed during Charity Island wreck due to timing of grounding before policy lapse. No official number located.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Multiple diver reports and underwater images exist, though formal NOAA or Parks Canada survey not documented. Local technical dive charters may provide footage.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Find A Grave
- Newspapers.com
References
- Wood County Reporter, Sept 23, 1880
- Superior Times, Oct 9, 1880
- Wisconsin State Journal, Nov 15, 1880
- Amherstburg Echo, Dec 11, 1885
- Buffalo Daily Republic, Dec 12, 1885
- Saginaw Courier, Apr 13, 1886; Jun 12, 1886
- Port Huron Daily Times, May 4, 1886
- Kingston British Whig, July 13–26, 1886; Oct 8, 1888
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: Unknown
Coordinates: N44 18.750′, W76 01.973′
Depth: 140–180 ft (42.67–54.86 m)
Location Description: Granite State Shoal, American Narrows, St. Lawrence River
Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steamboat
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 142 x 28 x 9.5 ft
Condition: Broken in two, partial collapse
Cause of Loss: Sinking during unloading (possible structural failure)
Discovery Date: Unknown
Discovered By: Unknown
Method: Visual/dive survey
Legal Notes: Multiple lawsuits over prior fires; no known salvage claim post-1888
Hazards: Strong currents, deep depth
Permits Required: Not required but site is technical dive only