Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Churchill
- Type: Wood-hulled, three-masted schooner-barge (propeller assisted)
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Craig Shipbuilding Co.
- Dimensions: 202.4 ft (61.7 m) × 38.3 ft (11.7 m) × 16.3 ft (5.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,010 GT / 959 NT
- Location: Off Waukegan, Illinois
- Official Number: 126629
- Original Owners: A.W. Comstock, Warde Transportation Company
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Designed as a large schooner-barge used primarily in ore-carrying operations, utilizing both sail and tug assistance. Represented the late-era auxiliary sail craft built to maximize cargo with minimal crew.
Description
Single-deck wooden hull with forecastle and three masts (likely fore-and-aft rigged to conserve crew). Equipped with minimal sail to aid towing operations.
History
- 17 May 1890: Launched at a cost of approximately US $45,000; enrolled at Port Huron; owned by A.W. Comstock of Alpena, MI; regularly towed by steamer Niko.
- 12 April 1892: Ownership transferred to Warde Transportation Company, Chicago.
- 13 October 1898: Laden with iron ore and under tow by steamer Majestic during a fierce gale off Waukegan. The Majestic struggled with rising seas, but Churchill foundered and sank. Two lives were lost: the captain and one crewman.
- 21 October 1898: Enrollment officially surrendered.
Significant Incidents
- Foundered during gale while under tow, resulting in the loss of two lives.
Final Disposition
The vessel was a total loss, having sunk during gale-strength waves while under tow. The Majestic survived, but Churchill’s sinking cost two lives and ended her service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No modern dive survey or rediscovery has been recorded. The site lies off Waukegan in deep water, making it inaccessible for recreational exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”churchill-us-126629″ title=”References & Links”]
The Churchill reflects a transitional design: large, auxiliary sail schooner-barges serving low-cost bulk transport—especially iron ore. Her loss highlights the perils of late-season ore-hauling voyages under tow. Though large and modern for its type, she could not withstand mid-lake gale conditions. No visible remnants remain, and the site is of archival rather than dive interest.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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