Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Canisteo
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steambarge
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: William Dulac, Mount Clemens, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 182 ft (55.5 m); Beam: 34 ft (10.4 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 595 tons
- Location: Scuttled near Lexington, Lake Huron
- Official Number: US 126360
- Original Owners: Tonawanda Barge Line, L.R. McLaren, Eli Jacques & Sons
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Canisteo was a wooden propeller-driven steambarge, a versatile vessel type used extensively for transporting bulk materials such as coal, ore, and lumber across the Great Lakes. The steambarge’s single-propeller configuration and robust construction made it suitable for enduring the harsh conditions of Great Lakes navigation. The addition of a clamshell rig and A-frame later in its service life allowed it to participate in the sand trade, further showcasing its adaptability.
Description
The Canisteo was launched in 1886 at Mount Clemens, Michigan, and began its life as a reliable freighter for the Tonawanda Barge Line. Over its 34-year career, the vessel served various owners, reflecting the changing dynamics of the Great Lakes shipping industry.
History
Ownership Timeline:
- 1886-1903: Tonawanda Barge Line, Tonawanda, New York
- 1903-1908: L.R. McLaren, Toledo, Ohio
- 1908-1920: Eli Jacques & Sons, Duluth, Minnesota
During its operational years, the Canisteo underwent modifications to expand its capabilities. This included the addition of an A-frame and clamshell rig to enable it to handle bulk materials like sand.
Significant Incidents
Final Incident:
On a routine voyage in 1920 near Port Huron, Michigan, the Canisteo caught fire under unknown circumstances. Despite firefighting efforts, the blaze rapidly consumed the wooden vessel. Declared a constructive total loss, the ship was scrapped and its remains scuttled in 1921 near Lexington, Lake Huron. The precise cargo on board during the fire is undocumented, and no casualties were reported.
Final Disposition
The Canisteo was destroyed by fire in 1920 and subsequently scuttled in 1921 near Lexington in Lake Huron. The ship’s final resting place remains undetermined, although it is presumed to lie at the lakebed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Since the Canisteo was scrapped and scuttled, its condition is presumed to be highly deteriorated. The lack of precise location data further complicates any exploration or recovery efforts. The site, if located, would likely be accessible only to experienced divers due to its age and presumed state of disintegration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”canisteo-us-126360″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the Canisteo illustrates the challenges and dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed for bulk freight trade, the Canisteo faithfully served the shipping industry for over three decades before succumbing to fire. The decision to scuttle the vessel reflects a pragmatic approach to handling wrecks that could no longer be salvaged. Today, the Canisteo rests in Lake Huron, an enduring reminder of the region’s rich maritime history.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: Canisteo
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steambarge
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: William Dulac, Mount Clemens, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Length: 55.5 meters (182 feet)
- Beam: 10.4 meters (34 feet)
- Depth: 3.7 meters (12 feet)
- Gross Tonnage: 595 tons
- Engine: Steeple compound engine, 350 horsepower
- Boiler: 120-pound steam firebox boiler
- Last Registered Port: Detroit, Michigan
- Wreck Location: Scuttled near Lexington, Lake Huron
- Depth: Unknown
- Condition: Constructive total loss due to fire; scuttled in 1921
Vessel Type Description
The Canisteo was a wooden propeller-driven steambarge, a versatile vessel type used extensively for transporting bulk materials such as coal, ore, and lumber across the Great Lakes. The steambarge’s single-propeller configuration and robust construction made it suitable for enduring the harsh conditions of Great Lakes navigation. The addition of a clamshell rig and A-frame later in its service life allowed it to participate in the sand trade, further showcasing its adaptability.
History
The Canisteo was launched in 1886 at Mount Clemens, Michigan, and began its life as a reliable freighter for the Tonawanda Barge Line. Over its 34-year career, the vessel served various owners, reflecting the changing dynamics of the Great Lakes shipping industry.
Ownership Timeline:
- 1886-1903: Tonawanda Barge Line, Tonawanda, New York
- 1903-1908: L.R. McLaren, Toledo, Ohio
- 1908-1920: Eli Jacques & Sons, Duluth, Minnesota
During its operational years, the Canisteo underwent modifications to expand its capabilities. This included the addition of an A-frame and clamshell rig to enable it to handle bulk materials like sand.
Final Incident:
On a routine voyage in 1920 near Port Huron, Michigan, the Canisteo caught fire under unknown circumstances. Despite firefighting efforts, the blaze rapidly consumed the wooden vessel. Declared a constructive total loss, the ship was scrapped and its remains scuttled in 1921 near Lexington, Lake Huron. The precise cargo on board during the fire is undocumented, and no casualties were reported.
Final Disposition
The Canisteo was destroyed by fire in 1920 and subsequently scuttled in 1921 near Lexington in Lake Huron. The ship’s final resting place remains undetermined, although it is presumed to lie at the lakebed.
Located By & Date
The wreck of the Canisteo was deliberately scuttled in Lake Huron after being scrapped in 1921. Its precise coordinates remain unverified.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck of the Canisteo. Mariners navigating near Lexington in Lake Huron should remain cautious due to the historical presence of wrecks in the area.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Since the Canisteo was scrapped and scuttled, its condition is presumed to be highly deteriorated. The lack of precise location data further complicates any exploration or recovery efforts. The site, if located, would likely be accessible only to experienced divers due to its age and presumed state of disintegration.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive ship data and historical records
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Maritime history collections
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Insights and archives on Great Lakes vessels
Conclusion
The story of the Canisteo illustrates the challenges and dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed for bulk freight trade, the Canisteo faithfully served the shipping industry for over three decades before succumbing to fire. The decision to scuttle the vessel reflects a pragmatic approach to handling wrecks that could no longer be salvaged. Today, the Canisteo rests in Lake Huron, an enduring reminder of the region’s rich maritime history.
Keywords
• Canisteo Steambarge
• Lake Huron Shipwreck
• Port Huron Fire Incident
• Great Lakes Maritime History
• Scuttled Ships
• 19th-Century Steambarge
The Great Lakes have witnessed countless maritime tragedies throughout history, and one such incident involved the ill-fated steambarge Canisteo. Built in 1886 by William Dulac in Mount Clemens, Michigan, this wooden propeller bulk freighter initially served in the coal, ore, and lumber trade. However, its journey took a tragic turn on an unfortunate day in 1920 when fire engulfed the vessel, leading to its eventual demise. canisteo-126360 1921-03-14 07:49:00