Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Germania
- Type: Steambarge
- Year Built: 1875
- Builder: George King
- Dimensions: Length 136.1 ft (41.5 m); Beam 28 ft (8.5 m); Depth of hold 11.2 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 263.1 tons; Net Tonnage: 175.7 tons
- Location: Wharves in Ecorse, Michigan
- Official Number: 85435
- Original Owners: Henry Buttironi and associates; various subsequent owners
- Number of Masts: Two auxiliary sailing masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Germania was a wooden-hulled steambarge characterized by a plain head and round stern, designed for towing operations.
Description
Built in 1875, the Germania measured 136.1 feet in length, 28 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11.2 feet. It was powered by a single-screw steeple compound engine with a two-cylinder configuration, rated at 320 horsepower.
History
The Germania was originally owned by Henry Buttironi and associates and was involved in towing operations throughout its service life. It changed hands multiple times, reflecting its utility in the lumber trade and harbor operations.
Significant Incidents
- 17 January 1899: Caught fire while laid up for winter, burning to the waterline and declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
After the fire, the Germania was officially abandoned, with registry documents surrendered on 27 January 1899.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No underwater site is recorded for the Germania, as it burned in place at its wharf. Any wreckage would have remained in shallow waters or been salvaged shortly after the incident.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”germania-us-85435″ title=”References & Links”]
The Germania’s history exemplifies the lifecycle of Great Lakes steamboats, showcasing the transition in maritime technology and the impact of fire on vessel preservation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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