Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.G. Meisel
- Type: Wooden scow-barge
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: T. Dunford
- Dimensions: Length 104 ft (31.7 m); Beam 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 132 tons
- Location: Above Lakeport, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 5391
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Built as a simple wooden scow-barge, C.G. Meisel was intended for towage and the carriage of bulk cargo—specifically lumber. She lacked propulsion, relying on tugs like the J.P. Clark for movement.
Description
From 1867 until her loss in 1883, she was regularly engaged in timber hauling on Lake Huron, operating out of Port Huron. On May 20, 1883, she was being towed by the tug J.P. Clark, accompanied by three other barges, laden with lumber.
History
A violent gale swept the towline loose, casting C.G. Meisel ashore near Lakeport, Michigan. The barge broke apart in the surf; her crew were safely rescued by the J.P. Clark, and there were no reported deaths.
Significant Incidents
There have been no formal salvage efforts or rediscovery expeditions. The remains likely broke down in place after grounding.
Final Disposition
No official navigation notices or marine hazards recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The C.G. Meisel represents the many simple wooden scow-barges used in 19th-century Great Lakes lumber transport. Her loss during a May 20, 1883 gale near Lakeport, with no casualties but total structural failure, typifies the risks faced by unpowered barges towed in open waters. Today her story exists only in registry notes and local lore—awaiting rediscovery.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-g-meisel-us-5391″ title=”References & Links”]
Keywords
Scow-barge; lumber barge; tow loss; Lake Huron 1883 gale; no-casualty wreck; Port Huron barge; unpowered cargo barge.
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(s): C.G. Meisel (sometimes C.J. Meisel)
- Registry: United States
- Official number: 5391 (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Vessel type: Wooden scow-barge
- Year built: 1867 at Port Huron, Michigan by T. Dunford (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Dimensions: 31.7 m × 7.6 m × 2.1 m (104 × 25 × 7 ft), tonnage approx. 132 t (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Date lost: May 20, 1883
- Loss location: Above Lakeport, Michigan, Lake Huron (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Cargo at loss: Lumber
- Casualties: None
Vessel Type & Description
Built as a simple wooden scow-barge, C.G. Meisel was intended for towage and the carriage of bulk cargo—specifically lumber. She lacked propulsion, relying on tugs like the J.P. Clark for movement.
History
From 1867 until her loss in 1883, she was regularly engaged in timber hauling on Lake Huron, operating out of Port Huron. On May 20, 1883, she was being towed by the tug J.P. Clark, accompanied by three other barges, laden with lumber (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Final Disposition
A violent gale swept the towline loose, casting C.G. Meisel ashore near Lakeport, Michigan. The barge broke apart in the surf; her crew were safely rescued by the J.P. Clark, and there were no reported deaths .
Located By & Date Found
There have been no formal salvage efforts or rediscovery expeditions. The remains likely broke down in place after grounding.
Notmars & Advisories
No official navigation notices or marine hazards recorded.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – entry for C.G. Meisel (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Conclusion
The C.G. Meisel represents the many simple wooden scow-barges used in 19th-century Great Lakes lumber transport. Her loss during a May 20, 1883 gale near Lakeport, with no casualties but total structural failure, typifies the risks faced by unpowered barges towed in open waters. Today her story exists only in registry notes and local lore—awaiting rediscovery.
Keywords
Scow-barge; lumber barge; tow loss; Lake Huron 1883 gale; no-casualty wreck; Port Huron barge; unpowered cargo barge.