Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Idlewild
- Type: Unknown (possibly small launch or fish tug)
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: 28 ft (8.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Bayfield Harbor, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: N 46° 48.572′, W 090° 48.709′
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Not recorded
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Idlewild is classified as an unknown type of vessel, possibly a small launch or fish tug. Vessels of this size were commonly used for fishing, ferrying, or utility work in the Apostle Islands and Bayfield harbor area during the 1930s.
Description
The Idlewild was a small vessel measuring 28 feet in length. The specific classification of the vessel remains uncertain, as records do not specify whether she was a fish tug, small gas launch, or another type of auxiliary craft.
History
Multiple vessels named Idlewild appear in Great Lakes vessel lists, but none clearly match the small 28-foot Bayfield vessel. According to Holden’s Lake Superior casualty notes, this Idlewild burned at her moorings in 1937. No additional details of ownership, trade, or service history are presently available. It is possible she was a locally operated fishing or transport vessel without formal enrollment.
Significant Incidents
- In 1937, while moored at Bayfield, Wisconsin, the Idlewild caught fire and was destroyed. The circumstances of the fire are undocumented, though gasoline launches of the era were prone to engine-room and fuel line flare-ups.
Final Disposition
The remains of the vessel are listed as “doubtful.” It is unclear if any part of the Idlewild was left submerged at Bayfield Harbor or if the hull was entirely removed. The coordinates provided correspond to the Bayfield waterfront area, but no confirmed wreck site has been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access to the site is not known as a dive site. If remains exist, they are likely buried or removed. The depth range is in the harbor shallows, and emergency contacts include the USCG Station Bayfield, WI. Permits are required for excavation under Wisconsin state law.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”idlewild” title=”References & Links”]
No casualties are associated with this wreck, and the site is presumed clear of navigational hazards. The Idlewild remains an unverified loss, with no modern underwater survey confirming wreckage remains.
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.
Identification Card (Site Style)
Description
The Idlewild was a small vessel, only 28 feet long, whose classification is uncertain. Records do not specify whether she was a fish tug, small gas launch, or other type of auxiliary craft. Vessels of this size in the 1930s were often used for fishing, ferrying, or utility work in the Apostle Islands and Bayfield harbor area.History
Multiple vessels named Idlewild appear in Great Lakes vessel lists, but none clearly match the small 28-foot Bayfield vessel. According to Holden’s *Lake Superior* casualty notes, this Idlewild burned at her moorings in 1937. No additional details of ownership, trade, or service history are presently available. It is possible she was a locally operated fishing or transport vessel without formal enrollment.Final Voyage
In 1937, while moored at Bayfield, Wisconsin, the Idlewild caught fire and was destroyed. The circumstances of the fire are undocumented, though gasoline launches of the era were prone to engine-room and fuel line flare-ups. No lives were lost, and the wreck was considered a total constructive loss.Final Disposition
Remains of the vessel are listed as “doubtful.” It is unclear if any part of the Idlewild was left submerged at Bayfield Harbor or if the hull was entirely removed. The coordinates provided correspond to the Bayfield waterfront area, but no confirmed wreck site has been documented.Located By & Date Found
Not confirmed. Casualty records suggest total loss at Bayfield in 1937, but no modern underwater survey has verified wreckage remains.Notmars & Advisories
None issued. Site uncertain and presumed clear of navigational hazard.Dive Information
Access: Not a known dive site Entry Point: Bayfield Harbor Conditions: If remains exist, they are buried or removed Depth Range: Harbor shallows Emergency Contacts: USCG Station Bayfield, WI Permits: Required for excavation under Wisconsin state law Dive Support: Bayfield area recreational dive operatorsCrew & Casualty Memorials
No casualties associated with this wreck.Documented Statements & Extracts
“Per Holden LS, the vessel Idlewild burned in moorings; remains doubtful. Note: there are several Idlewilds listed in MV 1930, but none with a length of 28 feet.” — *Lake Superior Casualty Records*
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
No official number located. Vessel not found in standard registries; may have operated outside federal enrollment requirements due to small size.Site Documentation & Imaging
No archaeological documentation or imaging available. Remains unconfirmed.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Wisconsin Historical Society – Maritime Preservation Program
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
References
- Holden, *Lake Superior Casualty Notes*, entry for Idlewild.
- Great Lakes Marine Vessel Lists, c. 1930 (no 28 ft Idlewild recorded).
- Wisconsin Historical Society (Bayfield wreck records).