Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bayton
- Type: Steel bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1904
- Builder: American Shipbuilding Co., Cleveland, OH
- Dimensions: 415 ft × 50 ft × 28 ft
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Burns Harbor, Indiana
- Official Number: 141675
- Original Owners: Mathews Steamship Co., Colonial Steamship Co., Scott Misener Steamship Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Steel bulk freighter — mid-size Great Lakes bulk carrier.
Description
Description
The Bayton, originally named Francis Widlar, was a mid-size steel bulk freighter built in 1904. It served various owners throughout its operational life, primarily transporting bulk commodities across the Great Lakes.
History
History
Operated as Francis Widlar from 1904 to 1921 under U.S. registry. Renamed Bayton in 1921, it was owned by Mathews Steamship Co. until 1933, after which it was operated by Colonial Steamship Co. and later by Scott Misener Steamship Co. until 1966.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled in September 1966 at Burns Harbor, Indiana, to serve as part of a rock-free breakwater during harbor construction.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Bayton was deliberately scuttled, with its hull stripped and prepared for sinking. It was permanently embedded as structural support in the harbor breakwater.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is not accessible for diving as it is embedded in the breakwater structure at Burns Harbor.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bayton-francis-widlar-us-141675″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Bayton’s long service life and eventual repurposing as a breakwater highlight its historical significance and the innovative approaches to vessel disposal in maritime infrastructure.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →