Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: CHECOTAH
• Type: Wooden schooner-barge
• Year Built: 1870
• Builder: Bailey Bros., Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions: 199 ft (60.7 m) x 34 ft (10.4 m) x 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 658 gross tons, 598 net tons
• Location: Off Port Sanilac, Michigan
• Coordinates: Approx. 12 mi NE of Port Sanilac, ~6 mi offshore
• Official Number: 85267
• Original Owners: Multiple over lifetime
• Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The CHECOTAH was a schooner-barge, a towed wooden vessel typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Designed for bulk cargo transport, she featured a broad beam and reinforced hold structure, enabling transport of heavy commodities like lumber and coal. As a barge, she operated under tow rather than sail, aligned with evolving propulsion logistics of the era.

Description

The CHECOTAH was a schooner-barge, a towed wooden vessel typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Designed for bulk cargo transport, she featured a broad beam and reinforced hold structure, enabling transport of heavy commodities like lumber and coal. As a barge, she operated under tow rather than sail, aligned with evolving propulsion logistics of the era.

History

Built in 1870 in Toledo, Ohio, as the GEORGE D. RUSSELL, she initially served in general bulk cargo trade. In 1882, she was involved in a deadly collision with the steamer NORTHERNER in the St. Mary’s River, leading to three fatalities and her first decommissioning. She was raised, rebuilt, and renamed CHECOTAH in 1890.

After resuming service in lumber transport, she suffered another wreck in Cleveland in 1905. Despite the second loss and registry surrender, she was again salvaged and returned to duty.

On 30 October 1906, CHECOTAH was under tow by the steamer TEMPEST during a Lake Huron storm when she foundered. The crew of seven abandoned ship and survived. Her lumber-laden hulk remained partially afloat and was declared a navigational hazard.

Significant Incidents

• 1882: Collision with the steamer NORTHERNER in the St. Mary’s River, resulting in three fatalities.
• 1905: Wreck in Cleveland, leading to registry surrender.
• 1906: Foundered during a storm while under tow by the TEMPEST; crew abandoned ship and survived.

Final Disposition

CHECOTAH’s final wreck status was recorded as an abandoned hulk. Her waterlogged lumber cargo helped keep the remains semi-buoyant. With three separate registry surrenders over her lifetime, she exemplifies the persistent yet vulnerable character of working lake barges of the period.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Located shortly after her loss in 1906, the CHECOTAH wreck is positioned ~12 mi northeast of Port Sanilac and ~6 mi offshore. Part of the hull remains visible and was subject to marking as a hazard post-loss.

Resources & Links

All seven crew survived the 1906 sinking. Three fatalities occurred in the 1882 incident under the name GEORGE D. RUSSELL. Crew names may be located via Buffalo Evening News (Oct 31 & Nov 1, 1906).