Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Joseph P. Farnan
- Type: Propeller steam barge for bulk freight
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: W. Radcliffe, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: 152 ft (46.33 m) length × 33 ft beam × 10 ft depth; 410 gross tons
- Registered Tonnage: 410 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 51.8 m / 170 ft
- Location: Off South Haven, Michigan
- Official Number: 76691
- Original Owners: Capt. Loren G. Vosburgh, based in Cleveland
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steam barge designed for transporting bulk freight, equipped with a compound steam engine.
Description
The Joseph P. Farnan was a wooden steam barge built in 1887, measuring 152 feet in length, 33 feet in beam, and 10 feet in depth. It had a registered tonnage of 410 gross tons and was powered by a compound steam engine.
History
Constructed by W. Radcliffe in Cleveland, Ohio, the Joseph P. Farnan was owned and captained by Loren G. Vosburgh. The vessel was primarily used for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: On July 20, 1889, while departing St. Joseph, Michigan, the vessel caught fire approximately 17 miles offshore. The fire originated in the engine room, rapidly disabling the pumps and spreading uncontrollably.
- Rescue: The crew abandoned ship using makeshift rafts after their lifeboat was destroyed. All 12 aboard, including Capt. Vosburgh’s wife, survived, thanks to a timely rescue by the South Haven U.S. Life-Saving Service.
Final Disposition
The Joseph P. Farnan burned to the waterline and sank after drifting. The wreck lies at approximately 170 feet deep off South Haven, with the engine and boiler remaining intact, while the superstructure was fully consumed by fire.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Joseph P. Farnan is considered a significant underwater heritage site, with opportunities for marine archaeological surveys to document and preserve the remaining structure.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”joseph-p-farnan-us-76691″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Joseph P. Farnan highlights the dangers of maritime operations in the late 19th century. The vessel’s wreck serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and the need for further research into its history and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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