Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lomira
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: circa 1851–1852
- Builder: C. Sorenson
- Dimensions: Length ~68 ft; Beam ~21.2 ft; Depth of hold ~7 ft
- Registered Tonnage: ~89 tons
- Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Lomira is classified as a two-masted wooden schooner, a common vessel type used for cargo transport during the mid-19th century.
Description
Constructed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Lomira measured approximately 68 feet in length, with a beam of about 21.2 feet and a depth of hold of around 7 feet. It had a gross tonnage of approximately 89 tons.
History
The Lomira was built circa 1851–1852 by shipbuilder C. Sorenson and was registered in Chicago, Illinois. The vessel was primarily used for transporting lumber and other goods across the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: January 1853
- Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Circumstances: The vessel wrecked ashore while carrying lumber and was deemed a total loss. No lives were lost in the incident.
- Cargo Loss: The cargo consisted of lumber, with property valued at approximately $1,500.
Final Disposition
The last document for the Lomira was surrendered in Chicago on April 6, 1852, indicating its registration prior to the wreck. The known wreck site is presumed to be located off the Kenosha harbor entrance, but no confirmed archaeological discovery has been made.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck of the Lomira has not been verified, but it is presumed to be within diving depth off Kenosha. Divers should exercise caution as the exact location remains unconfirmed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lomira-c1851″ title=”References & Links”]
The Lomira serves as a reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by vessels during the 19th century. Its wreck remains a point of interest for divers and historians alike.
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 & Specifications
- Name: Lomira
- Type: Two‑masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: circa 1851–1852 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by shipbuilder C. Sorenson (wisconsinshipwrecks.org, Wikipedia)
- Home Port: Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions: Length ~68 ft; Beam ~21.2 ft; Depth of Hold ~7 ft; Gross Tonnage ~89 tons (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date of Loss: January 1853 (wreck date)
- Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Circumstances: Wrecked ashore off Kenosha while carrying lumber; deemed a total loss (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Losses:
- Lives Lost: None
- Cargo Loss: Lumber, property valued at approximately $1,500 (Wikimedia Commons, wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Post‑Loss & Remains
- Enrollment: Last document surrendered at Chicago, April 6, 1852 – indicating vessel registration prior to wreck (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Known Wreck Site: No confirmed archaeological discovery; presumed located off Kenosha harbor entrance (within diving depth but not verified) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel | Lomira, wooden schooner |
| Built | ~1851–1852, Manitowoc, WI |
| Tonnage | ~89 GT |
| Final Voyage | Wrecked at Kenosha, Jan 1853 |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Loss | Property ~$1,500 |
| Crew | All survived (no lives lost) |
| Wreck Location | Off Kenosha (unconfirmed dive site) |
Sources & References
- Vessel details, tonnage, final voyage, cargo, and loss value: Wisconsin Shipwrecks database entry for Lomira (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Historical newspaper quote (“Schooner Lomira, wrecked at Kenosha–cargo lumber. Loss of property $1,500.”): Ships and Shipwrecks of Manitowoc County citing the Milwaukee Sentinel, Jan 5, 1853 (2manitowoc.com)