Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.E. Redfern
- Type: Schooner / Motor Vessel
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: 181 ft (55.2 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 680 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 83.8 m / 275 ft
- Location: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) off Point Betsie Light, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Approximately 4 miles off Point Betsie Light
- Official Number: Not listed
- Original Owners: Captains Angwall and O.T. Olson of Marinette, Wisconsin
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as a wooden-hulled schooner, the C.E. Redfern was later converted into a crane-equipped motor vessel in 1926 at the J. Davidson Shipyard in West Bay City, Michigan.
Description
The C.E. Redfern measured 181 feet (55.2 meters) in length and had a gross tonnage of 680. Initially built as a schooner, she was adapted to meet the evolving demands of maritime commerce by being outfitted with a crane and motorized propulsion, enhancing her capabilities for cargo handling and navigation.
History
Throughout her operational life, the C.E. Redfern served various roles on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting bulk cargoes such as pulpwood. Her conversion in 1926 from sail to motor power reflects the broader transition in maritime technology during the early 20th century.
Significant Incidents
On September 19, 1937, while en route from Frankfort, Michigan, the C.E. Redfern encountered a severe gale on Lake Michigan. The vessel foundered approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) off Point Betsie Light. The crew was successfully rescued by the car ferry Ann Arbor No. 4 and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Escanaba.
Final Disposition
In 2008, divers from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) identified the wreck of the C.E. Redfern in 275 feet (83.8 meters) of water, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) off Point Betsie, near Frankfort, Michigan. The wreck sits upright and is in good condition.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding obstructions related to the C.E. Redfern wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-e-redfern-1890″ title=”References & Links”]
The C.E. Redfern exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes shipping from sail to motorized vessels. Her loss in 1937 during a gale underscores the challenges faced by mariners on the lakes. The successful rescue of her crew highlights the effectiveness of coordinated maritime rescue efforts during that era.
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
- Name: C.E. Redfern
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: Not listed
- Date Built & Launched: 1890
- Dimensions: 181 ft (55.2 m) length; 680 gross tons
- Date Lost: September 19, 1937
- Location: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) off Point Betsie Light, Lake Michigan
- Cause of Loss: Foundered in a heavy gale
- Cargo: Pulpwood
- Casualties: None; entire crew rescued
- Owner at Time of Loss: Captains Angwall and O.T. Olson of Marinette, Wisconsin
- Master at Time of Loss: Captain O.T. Olson(michiganshipwrecks.org, flybridge.proboards.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as a wooden-hulled schooner, the C.E. Redfern was later converted into a crane-equipped motor vessel in 1926 at the J. Davidson Shipyard in West Bay City, Michigan.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Description
The C.E. Redfern measured 181 feet (55.2 meters) in length and had a gross tonnage of 680. Initially built as a schooner, she was adapted to meet the evolving demands of maritime commerce by being outfitted with a crane and motorized propulsion, enhancing her capabilities for cargo handling and navigation.
History
Throughout her operational life, the C.E. Redfern served various roles on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting bulk cargoes such as pulpwood. Her conversion in 1926 from sail to motor power reflects the broader transition in maritime technology during the early 20th century.
Final Disposition
On September 19, 1937, while en route from Frankfort, Michigan, the C.E. Redfern encountered a severe gale on Lake Michigan. The vessel foundered approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) off Point Betsie Light. The crew was successfully rescued by the car ferry Ann Arbor No. 4 and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Escanaba.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Located By & Date Found
In 2008, divers from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) identified the wreck of the C.E. Redfern in 275 feet (83.8 meters) of water, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) off Point Betsie, near Frankfort, Michigan. The wreck sits upright and is in good condition. (michiganshipwrecks.org)
Notmars & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding obstructions related to the C.E. Redfern wreck site.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – WordPress.com
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Association – Redfern
- Steamship Redfern Discovered in Lake Michigan(michiganshipwrecks.org, shipwreckworld.com)
Conclusion
The C.E. Redfern exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes shipping from sail to motorized vessels. Her loss in 1937 during a gale underscores the challenges faced by mariners on the lakes. The successful rescue of her crew highlights the effectiveness of coordinated maritime rescue efforts during that era.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: C.E. Redfern, 1937 Lake Michigan shipwreck, pulpwood transport, Great Lakes maritime history
- Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Maritime History of Michigan, 20th Century Shipwrecks
- Glossary Terms:
- Foundered: A term used when a vessel fills with water and sinks.
- Pulpwood: Wood suitable for making paper pulp, often transported in bulk by cargo vessels.
- Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (63–74 km/h).