Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Martin Swain
- Type: Wooden wrecking/tug vessel
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Unknown (likely at a Great Lakes shipyard)
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Near Detour Passage, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Martin Swain was a wooden wrecking tug vessel engaged in salvage operations on the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1881, the Martin Swain was primarily used for wreck-raising work. It met its demise in a fire while tied to a wreck site near Detour, Michigan.
History
The Martin Swain was involved in various salvage operations throughout its service life. Its final voyage was on December 17, 1898, when it caught fire, leading to its total loss.
Significant Incidents
- While tied to a wreck site overnight, the Martin Swain ignited—likely due to a fire in the engine room—rapidly becoming an uncontrollable blaze.
- The vessel burned down to the waterline, resulting in the boiler and machinery sinking—or floating free—as the superstructure was consumed.
- A portion of her wrecking outfit was affixed to the Martin Swain at the time, and, after the fire, a “raft of lumber” struck and further damaged the stricken vessel.
- The vessel was officially declared a total loss, and her enrollment certificate was surrendered at Port Huron on December 31, 1900.
Final Disposition
The Martin Swain was declared a total loss following the fire. Its remains are believed to be scattered in shallow waters near the original wreck site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Expect scattered iron machinery, boiler remnants, twisted steel planking, and fastenings at the wreck site. The wooden superstructure remnants would be largely lost.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”martin-swain-1881″ title=”References & Links”]
The Martin Swain serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with wreck recovery operations in the late 19th century, particularly the risks posed by engine-room fires on wooden vessels.
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