Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Fostoria
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1865
- Builder: Black River, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Official Number: 9213
- Location: Near Port Huron, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 9213
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner-barge, built in 1865.
Description
Description
The Fostoria was a wooden schooner-barge constructed in 1865. It was primarily used for transporting cargo, including coal.
History
History
The Fostoria was under tow by the tug Huron when it collided with an ice floe in dense fog on May 10, 1901. The collision caused significant damage, leading to rapid sinking.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Collided head-on with an ice floe in dense fog on May 10, 1901.
- All six crew members were rescued by the tug Huron, with no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Fostoria sank quickly in cold spring water after the collision. The wreck is believed to be located offshore near Port Huron.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is likely in depths typical of the shipping channel (20-50 ft). The remains may be fragmented due to ice damage.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”fostoria-us-9213″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The loss of the Fostoria highlights the dangers of late-season navigation on the Great Lakes, particularly regarding ice floes. The incident contributes to the historical understanding of early 20th-century shipping hazards.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Fostoria
- Build Year: 1865, Black River, Ohio (wooden schooner-barge)
- Official Number: 9213
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge
- Final Event: Collided head-on with a late-season ice floe in dense fog on May 10, 1901
- Loss Location: Near Port Huron, Lake Huron
- Cargo: Coal (approximately 2,000–3,000 bushels)
- Tow Vessel: Under tow by the tug Huron at time of incident (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Incident & Sinking
- While navigating Lake Huron during thick fog, Fostoria struck an ice floe head-on, shoving her bows inward and leading to rapid water ingress.
- She sank quickly in cold spring water, with all six hands onboard rescued by the towing tug Huron. No casualties were recorded (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Archival & Research Gaps
- Construction Details: Yard, exact dimensions, and original ownership – check Great Lakes enrollment records (1865).
- Crew Information: Names, roles, certification – obtainable from U.S. Customs or Coast Guard district archives (Detroit).
- Weather Conditions: May 1901 meteorological logs could clarify storm or fog context.
- Contemporary Coverage: Port Huron area newspapers (e.g., Port Huron Times, Detroit Free Press) from May 1901 likely described the collision and rescue.
- Tow Vessel Records: Investigate Huron‘s deck logs or captain’s account for additional operational context.
Wreck Potential & Exploration
- Wreck Site: Likely offshore near Port Huron in depths typical of the shipping channel (20–50 ft).
- Remains: Ice damage to bow; hull likely to be found in fragmented condition—potential scatter field rather than intact hull.
- Survey Recommendation: A side-scan sonar and magnetometer survey could identify wreckage; follow-up dive could confirm condition and assess artifact preservation.
Significance & Conclusion
The Fostoria‘s loss illustrates the perils of late-season navigation on the Great Lakes where residual ice floes pose collision risks. This incident—marked by immediate sinking and successful crew rescue—adds to the historical narrative of steam-assist-barge commerce and early 20th-century shipping hazard mitigation.
Recommended Next Steps
- Archive Outreach:
- National Archives (Detroit District) for enrollment and crew lists
- Port Huron area newspapers from May 1901
- Weather Record Review:
- NOAA or Environment Canada historical data for fog and ice conditions
- Field Survey Coordination:
- Engage local maritime archaeologists (e.g., Michigan Underwater Preserve) for sonar scanning and site validation