Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: CHARLES SPADEMAN
- Type: Schooner Barge
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Philip Rice, Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 134.2 ft (40.9 m); Beam: 25.9 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 10.8 ft (3.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 306 gross tons
- Location: Near South Bass Island, Lake Erie
- Official Number: US 125158
- Original Owners: Rice et al.
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The CHARLES SPADEMAN was a three-masted schooner barge, designed for bulk cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. These vessels were versatile and vital in supporting commerce during the 19th century, serving as both standalone sailing ships and towable barges. The robust wooden hull and efficient design enabled the vessel to adapt to varying conditions and demands.
Description
Built in 1873 by Philip Rice in Marine City, Michigan, the CHARLES SPADEMAN began its career under the ownership of Rice et al. It served for decades on the Great Lakes, transitioning between traditional schooner operations and barge roles. Its primary cargoes included timber, grain, and coal, essential commodities for the burgeoning industrial economy of the Great Lakes region.
History
Notable Incidents
The vessel endured multiple mishaps during its career, showcasing its resilience:
In 1903, it collided with the steamer R. E. BUNSEN in the St. Clair River, resulting in a sinking. The schooner was salvaged and returned to service after extensive repairs.
Final Voyage and Sinking
On December 10, 1909, while near Put-in-Bay, Ohio, the CHARLES SPADEMAN foundered during a routine voyage. Despite the sinking, all four individuals aboard survived. The exact cause of the incident remains unclear. Following its sinking, the wreck became a navigational hazard in the busy South Passage near South Bass Island in Lake Erie.
Salvage Operations
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook a salvage operation in April 1910 to clear the wreck. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel John Mills, the operation successfully removed the remains, restoring a safe navigation depth of 28 feet. After the wreck’s removal, the marking buoy was also taken down.
Significant Incidents
The CHARLES SPADEMAN was declared a total loss following its sinking. The wreckage, initially a hazard, was removed by salvage crews in 1910, effectively ending the vessel’s presence in Lake Erie.
The wreck, once a navigation concern, has been completely removed since 1910, and there are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for the site. The South Passage is now clear for navigation.
Final Disposition
The CHARLES SPADEMAN’s location was identified shortly after its sinking in 1909 near South Bass Island, Lake Erie. Salvage operations were completed in 1910.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was cleared entirely in 1910, and no remnants are believed to remain. The site no longer poses a hazard or serves as a dive location.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”charles-spademan-us-125158″ title=”References & Links”]
The schooner barge CHARLES SPADEMAN exemplified the challenges and resilience of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1873, it served as a dependable cargo vessel for over 35 years. Despite surviving earlier accidents, its career ended with a sinking near South Bass Island in 1909. The successful removal of the wreck in 1910 underscores the efforts to maintain safe navigation in the Great Lakes. Today, the CHARLES SPADEMAN’s story is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Erie.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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