Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: L. Painter
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: South Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 93.74 gross tons
- Location: 7–10 miles north of St. Joseph, Michigan
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: 15441
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden scow-schooner
Decks: 1
Masts: 2
Description
The L. Painter was a wooden scow-schooner built in 1867, primarily used for hauling lumber in southern Lake Michigan waters. It was designed for efficiency and functionality in commercial shipping.
History
In 1868, the L. Painter was owned and likely operated out of South Haven, Michigan. It functioned as a commercial lumber hauler, contributing to the timber trade in the region.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents include:
- On 17 October 1877, while laden with lumber, the L. Painter encountered a sudden squall north of St. Joseph, MI.
- The storm severely damaged the rigging and deckload; the crew stripped her of cargo and sails and intentionally scuttled her to prevent loss at sea.
- In the days following, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Andrew Johnson attempted salvage, but the effort failed, and the vessel was declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
The L. Painter was scuttled after sustaining damage from a squall. The vessel was abandoned, and despite salvage attempts, it was never recovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck likely lies in shallow offshore waters north of St. Joseph, Michigan. No underwater surveys or formal archaeological studies have been conducted. Shifting sands and the scow structure suggest minimal surface remains. A side-scan or magnetometer sweep is recommended to confirm the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”l-painter-us-15441″ title=”References & Links”]
The L. Painter is emblematic of late-19th-century scow-schooners on the Great Lakes—economical work vessels that often met violent ends in autumn squalls. Although salvaged in part, her stripped and scuttled hull was abandoned north of St. Joseph. A methodical archival and field survey would enrich understanding of scow-schooner design, storm resilience, and salvage practices in this pivotal era of Great Lakes maritime commerce.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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