Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John C. Bauer (formerly Planet)
- Type: Scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: D. Fox
- Dimensions: Length ~107 ft (32.6 m); Beam ~25.6 ft (7.8 m); Depth ~8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~197 old-style tons
- Location: South Fox Island Harbor, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 54159
- Original Owners: Thomas Thompson (at time of loss)
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden scow-schooner, two-masted, flat-bottomed.
Description
The John C. Bauer, originally named Planet, was a wooden scow-schooner built in 1855. It was primarily used in the lumber and stone trades, showcasing the durable design typical of mid-19th century coastal workboats.
History
The vessel was enrolled at Cleveland, Ohio in 1855 as Planet. It experienced several ownership changes and port registrations in Ohio and Wisconsin, with a significant reconstruction in 1869. The name was changed to John C. Bauer in 1882. By 1900, it was owned by Thomas Thompson and was en route from Milwaukee to Cecil Bay when the incident occurred.
Significant Incidents
- 1858: Grounded south of Milwaukee piers; later released.
- 1900: Stranded and wrecked in dense fog; crew abandoned ship with no loss of life reported.
Final Disposition
The vessel was declared a total loss after stranding in dense fog on July 6, 1900. The crew was rescued by a local fishing boat, and the hull was later towed clear of the harbor.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is presumed to be close to the southwest harbor of South Fox Island, Michigan. As a wooden scow-schooner stranded in shallow waters, little remains are likely, and the structure may be broken and dispersed. Accessibility may be possible at low water with surf or seasonal exposure, but no official dive surveys are known.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-c-bauer-planet-us-54159″ title=”References & Links”]
The John C. Bauer exemplifies the challenges faced by mid-19th century vessels navigating confined waters, particularly in fog. Its loss highlights the importance of navigational aids and the risks inherent in maritime operations of the time.
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.
Vessel Overview
- Name(s): Planet (1855–1882); renamed John C. Bauer (1882–1900)
- Official Number: 54159 (note: some records indicate 54149, but primary registry confirms 54159) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Year Built: 1855
- Built At: Black River, Ohio (builder: D. Fox)
- Type: Scow‑schooner (wooden, two‑masted, flat‑bottomed)
- Dimensions:
- Length ~107 ft
- Beam ~25.6 ft
- Depth ~8 ft
- Tonnage ~197 old‑style tons (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Operational Chronology
- 1855: Enrolled at Cleveland, Ohio as Planet
- 1858: Grounded south of Milwaukee piers; later released
- 1860–1899: Frequent ownership changes, ports of registry in Ohio and Wisconsin, reconstruction in 1869; renamed John C. Bauer in 1882 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- 1900: Under ownership of Thomas Thompson, Milwaukee; en route from Milwaukee to Cecil Bay (Straits of Mackinac) when the incident occurred (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Incident & Loss
- Date of Loss: 6 July 1900
- Location: South Fox Island Harbor, Lake Michigan
- Circumstances: Stranded and wrecked in dense fog; crew abandoned ship, and no loss of life was reported (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Aftermath: Vessel declared a total loss. Crew rescued by local fishing boat; hull later towed clear of harbor
Wreck Site & Dive Potential
- Position: Presumed close to the southwest harbor of South Fox Island, Michigan
- Condition: As a wooden scow-schooner stranded in shallow harbor, little remains likely; structure possibly broken and dispersed
- Accessibility: Potentially accessible at low water with surf or seasonal exposure; no official dive surveys known
Historical Significance
The Planet/ John C. Bauer exemplifies durable mid‑19th‑century coastal workboats, serving in the lumber and stone trades for nearly half a century. Her renaming and rebuild in 1882 illustrate adaptive reuse common among scow‑schooners. Her loss in 1900 underscores navigational hazards faced by such vessels—especially those relying on sail and limited navigation aids in fog and confined waters.
Keywords & Categories
- Region: Lake Michigan, South Fox Island
- Vessel Type: Wooden scow‑schooner
- Cause of Loss: Stranding (fog-driven)
- Cargo Type: Light/lumber — unconfirmed at time of wreck
- Casualties: None
- Era: 1855–1900
- Dive Risk: Minimal; potential for surface or shoreline remains