Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: F. W. Backus
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam propeller
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Bates, Amherstburg, Ontario (built as Earl Cathcart, renamed F. W. Backus in 1852)
- Dimensions: 134.6 ft (41 m) length × 25.2 ft beam × 9.1 ft depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~368 GRT
- Location: Offshore near Racine, Wisconsin
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden-hulled steam propeller
Description
F. W. Backus was a wooden-hulled steam propeller built in 1846, originally named Earl Cathcart. It was renamed in 1852 and served primarily for passenger and freight transport across Lake Michigan.
History
The vessel was constructed by Bates in Amherstburg, Ontario, and was notable for its role in the 19th-century domestic Great Lakes shipping industry. It was designed to carry both passengers and freight, including livestock.
Significant Incidents
- Caught fire offshore near Racine, Wisconsin on November 25, 1866.
- Onboard were nine passengers, crew, and deck cargo including hay and livestock (horses, oxen, hogs).
- The vessel was intentionally beached to contain the blaze; all passengers and crew were evacuated safely.
- The vessel was destroyed by fire and declared a total loss, with no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the F. W. Backus likely remains in shallow waters or beached near the Racine shoreline. However, no formal underwater survey has been recorded to confirm its exact location.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the condition of the wreck is unknown due to the lack of surveys. The area may contain remnants or artifacts, but these have not been documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”f-w-backus-1846-earl-cathcart” title=”References & Links”]
The story of the F. W. Backus serves as a reminder of the risks associated with early steam vessels, particularly regarding fire hazards with flammable cargo. It also highlights successful emergency response efforts that ensured the safety of all onboard during the incident.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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