Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Col Hathaway US 5861

Explore the wreck of the COLONEL HATHAWAY, a wooden scow-schooner lost in a storm in 1881, highlighting the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: COLONEL HATHAWAY
  • Type: Scow-Schooner
  • Year Built: 1870
  • Builder: John Gue, New Baltimore, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 93.18 tons
  • Location: Harrisville, Michigan
  • Official Number: 5861
  • Original Owners: Originally owned by Shoemaker et al in Buffalo, NY; enrolled in New Baltimore, Michigan in 1874; enrolled in Detroit, Michigan in 1880.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The COLONEL HATHAWAY is classified as a wooden scow-schooner, a type of vessel commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Description

The COLONEL HATHAWAY was built in 1870 by John Gue in New Baltimore, Michigan. It had a registered tonnage of 93.18 tons and was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

History

The vessel was originally owned by Shoemaker et al in Buffalo, NY, and underwent several changes in enrollment, including registrations in New Baltimore and Detroit. Its service history reflects the challenges faced by maritime transport in the Great Lakes region.

Significant Incidents

  • Final Loss Incident: On September 16, 1881, the COLONEL HATHAWAY was wrecked at Harrisville, Michigan, during a sudden storm while lying at a pier. The crew was unable to maneuver the vessel out into Lake Huron, leading to its grounding.
  • Lake Erie Gale Incident: On a previous occasion, the vessel encountered a severe gale on Lake Erie, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of its coal cargo, which had to be jettisoned to save the vessel.

Final Disposition

The COLONEL HATHAWAY was declared a total wreck at Harrisville, alongside two other schooners, GARIBALDI and NORTHERN LIGHT, which were also unable to escape the storm.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the COLONEL HATHAWAY remains a significant historical site, illustrating the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Divers are encouraged to document the site responsibly, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’

Resources & Links

The story of the COLONEL HATHAWAY serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by wooden vessels on the Great Lakes, emphasizing the importance of safe navigation practices and respect for maritime heritage.