Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Fish Hawk
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1858
- Builder: T. Cunningham
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~30 tons
- Location: Just north of Sheboygan, along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin coast
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
The Fish Hawk was a wooden two-masted schooner, typical of mid-19th-century vessels used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
Description
Description
Built in 1858 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Fish Hawk was a modest-sized vessel with a registered tonnage of approximately 30 tons. It was primarily used for general freight, carrying everyday goods such as flour and leather hides.
History
History
The Fish Hawk served in the Lake Michigan trade, transporting goods between Michigan and Wisconsin. Its construction reflects the design and functionality of schooners of that era, which were essential for commerce on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Stranded on November 4, 1865, during a gale or sudden squall.
- The hull broke apart, with some cargo salvaged by local salvors.
- No casualties were recorded; it is presumed that all crew members survived.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Fish Hawk was lost to the elements, with its wooden hull disintegrating in the storm. Parts of its cargo were salvaged, providing some historical context to the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and further research is needed to determine the extent of the remains and accessibility for divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”fish-hawk-1858″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The Fish Hawk grounded near Sheboygan on November 4, 1865, while carrying hides and flour. Her wooden hull broke apart in a late-season gale, but the crew survived and partial cargo was salvaged. This event exemplifies the everyday maritime hazards faced by small freighters on Lake Michigan during that era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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