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
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.