Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John A. Paige
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Thrall, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 74 ft × 16 ft × 8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 52 GT | 26 NT
- Location: Near Siskiwit River, off Cornucopia, Wisconsin
- Official Number: US 150215
- Original Owners: W. H. Singer, Chicago
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
Description
Built in 1881 in Green Bay, John A. Paige was a small but robust steam tug, purpose-built for inland water towing tasks common in the lumber and raft industries. Her compact size (74 ft length) made her nimble for river and lake applications.
History
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date of loss: September 6, 1892
- Location: Near Siskiwit River, Lake Superior, off Cornucopia, Wisconsin
- Cargo/Activity: Assisting in assembling a large raft of sawlogs
- Incident detail: “She caught fire while assembling a large raft of sawlogs and was burned to a total loss. The fire was thought to have been due to an overheated boiler.”
- Casualties: None reported
- Crew actions: After reaching shore, the crew walked about 30 miles to Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Significant Incidents
- Fire incident leading to total loss of the vessel.
- Remarkable crew trek of 30 miles to safety after the incident.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the John A. Paige is considered a total loss and was abandoned after burning to the waterline. The burned hull remains likely sank to the lake bottom.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck Site & Condition
- Wreck: Burned hull remains likely sank to lake bottom
- Site location: Off Siskiwit River mouth, near Cornucopia
- Condition: Burned to waterline; considered “total loss” and abandoned
- Notridge hazard: No navigation warning recorded; shallow water zone but likely dispersed debris
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-a-paige-us-150215″ title=”References & Links”]
The John A. Paige burned and sank on September 6, 1892, while engaged in log-rafting operations on Lake Superior. The incident caused no casualties, and her crew made a remarkable 30-mile trek to safety. While her burned remains were abandoned in situ, the site remains a promising candidate for remote sensing surveys.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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