Lycoming (1880)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Lycoming
• Type: Steamer (Package Freighter)
• Year Built: 1880
• Builder: F.W. Wheeler Co.
• Dimensions: Length 251 ft (76.5 m); Beam 36 ft; Depth of hold 15.3 ft
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 1609.53 tons; Net Tonnage: 1423.45 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 8 m / 28 ft
• Location: Lake Erie
• Coordinates: N 42° 15.077' W 081° 53.390'
• Original Owners: Erie & Western Transportation Co., Buffalo, NY

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Lycoming was a wooden-hulled package freighter, originally built in 1880 for the Erie & Western Transportation Co. The vessel was equipped with a steeple compound engine, a relatively advanced propulsion system for its time, capable of delivering 500 horsepower. It was designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, with a robust structure suitable for handling bulk cargo.

Description

The Lycoming was a versatile and resilient vessel that played a significant role in the maritime trade of the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1880 to its untimely demise in 1910, the Lycoming experienced numerous incidents, rebuilds, and ownership changes. The vessel’s history reflects the challenges of maritime transportation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes and the ever-present risk of fire.

History

The Lycoming had an eventful history, marked by various incidents, ownership changes, and roles within the Great Lakes maritime trade.

• 1880: The Lycoming was enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, and began operations under the Anchor Line. It was initially engaged in the grain trade, running the Chicago-Erie & Buffalo route and towing the Alleghany.
• 1883: The vessel collided with the schooner Elbe at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, piers and later that year, ran aground at Peche Island in the Detroit River.
• 1885: Ownership of the Lycoming transferred to Erie, Pennsylvania. The vessel continued its role in the grain trade, now towing the Schuylkill.
• 1886-1887: The Lycoming encountered multiple incidents, including running ashore near North Port on Lake Michigan and grounding at Stag Island in St. Clair Island. The vessel also participated in the rescue of the disabled H.J. Jewitt.
• 1891: The Lycoming sustained damage to its stem while in Chicago on Lake Michigan, necessitating repairs.
• 1905-1906: The vessel suffered major fire damage and underwent a significant rebuild, transforming into a bulk freighter under the ownership of James O’Connor. Following the rebuild, the Lycoming measured 251 feet in length, 36 feet in beam, and had a depth of 15.3 feet. It operated with a gross tonnage of 1448 and a net tonnage of 1119 tons. During this period, the vessel frequently worked alongside towed vessels such as the M. Bacon and the Sweetheart.
• October 21, 1910: The Lycoming met its tragic end while being towed by the schooner Emma G. Hutchinson. The vessel caught fire and burned off Rondeau, Ontario, in Lake Erie. At the time of the incident, the Lycoming was carrying a cargo of coal. Despite its long history and the many challenges it faced, the Lycoming was ultimately lost to the flames, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

• 1883: Collision with the schooner Elbe.
• 1883: Grounding at Peche Island.
• 1886-1887: Running ashore near North Port and grounding at Stag Island.
• 1891: Damage to stem in Chicago.
• 1905-1906: Major fire damage leading to rebuild.
• October 21, 1910: Caught fire and sank off Rondeau, Ontario.

Final Disposition

The Lycoming was ultimately lost to fire on October 21, 1910, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes. The wreck now lies in Lake Erie, serving as a reminder of the vessel’s storied past and the perils faced by maritime vessels of its time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Lycoming rests at a depth of 28 feet in Lake Erie. Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, utilizing no-touch documentation methods to preserve the site. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories.

Resources & Links

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The Lycoming serves as a significant historical artifact of Great Lakes maritime history. Its story reflects the challenges and dangers faced by vessels navigating these waters, and it stands as a testament to the resilience of those who worked on the Great Lakes.