Batchawana (Robert A. Packer)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Batchawana
• Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter
• Year Built: 1881
• Builder: W.S. Crosthwaite, Bay City, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length 209 ft (63.7 m); Beam 33 ft (10.1 m); Depth of hold 16 ft (4.9 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 921 tons
• Location: Off Coppermine Point, Ontario, Lake Superior
• Original Owners: Originally owned in the United States; sold to Canadian owners in 1906

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

The Batchawana was a wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter built for the Great Lakes trade. With its spacious holds and robust construction, it was designed to transport large quantities of dry bulk cargo. It measured 209 feet in length, with a beam of 33 feet and a depth of 16 feet, making it well-suited for the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

• Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter
• Gross Tonnage: 921 tons
• Net Tonnage: 770 tons
• Length: 209 ft (63.7 m)
• Beam: 33 ft (10.1 m)
• Depth: 16 ft (4.9 m)
• Year Built: 1881
• Builder: W.S. Crosthwaite, Bay City, Michigan
• Original Name: Robert A. Packer
  • Renamed: Batchawana (1906)
• Location of Loss: Off Coppermine Point, Ontario, Lake Superior
• Date of Loss: June 27, 1907 (some sources report June 21)
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Depth: Not specified
• Casualties: None
• Construction: Wooden hull
• Purpose: Transport of bulk goods (grain, ore, coal, lumber)

History

HISTORY:

The vessel was launched as the Robert A. Packer in 1881 by W.S. Crosthwaite in Bay City, Michigan. For over two decades, it served as a workhorse for the Great Lakes shipping industry. In 1906, it was sold to Canadian owners and renamed Batchawana, reflecting its integration into Canadian maritime operations.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage:

On June 27, 1907, while navigating Lake Superior near Coppermine Point, Ontario, the Batchawana caught fire. The blaze spread rapidly, rendering any attempt to save the vessel futile. Despite the catastrophic nature of the incident, there were no casualties reported, and the crew escaped unharmed.

The exact cargo at the time of the fire is unknown, but as a bulk freighter, it likely carried coal, grain, or lumber. The fire consumed the wooden vessel entirely, leaving only wreckage scattered on the lakebed.

Final Disposition

FINAL DISPOSITION:

• Date of Loss: June 27, 1907 (some sources suggest June 21)
• Cause of Loss: Fire at sea
• Condition: Burned to a total loss; remains likely scattered or submerged
• Casualties: None

Current Condition & Accessibility

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY:

The exact condition of the Batchawana’s wreck remains unknown, as no comprehensive exploration has been conducted. Given the intensity of the fire, the remains are likely scattered and severely deteriorated. The depth and accessibility of the wreck are also unspecified, but further investigation could provide valuable insights into its current state.

Resources & Links

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This detailed entry preserves the Batchawana’s legacy and highlights its role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Let me know if further refinements are needed!