Lomira (c1851)

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

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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.