Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Midge
- Type: Small wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: Likely in Racine, Wisconsin
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage: 40 tons
- Location: Mouth of the Milwaukee River
- Original Owners: Racine, Wisconsin
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Small wooden schooner
Description
The Midge was a small wooden schooner built in 1866, likely in Racine, Wisconsin. She was registered in Racine and primarily carried cargo, including 40 tons of timber slabs.
History
On May 9, 1883, the Midge was on a voyage to Milwaukee when she encountered a sudden squall. To weather the storm, she anchored near the entrance to Milwaukee Harbor. Unfortunately, her anchor failed to hold, and she dragged anchor for about two days and nights in rough seas before being washed ashore at the mouth of the Milwaukee River, waterlogged and extensively damaged. The vessel was declared a total loss, but fortunately, no crew members were lost during the incident.
Significant Incidents
- A textbook case illustrating the failure of anchorage in severe spring squalls on Lake Michigan.
- The loss of 40 tons of slab lumber underscores both economic costs and common trade goods of the era.
Final Disposition
The Midge was ultimately declared a total loss after being washed ashore. The wreck likely faced dismantling or was washed back out to sea, as no records of salvage exist.
Current Condition & Accessibility
A shallow-water survey near the Milwaukee River mouth might uncover timbers or debris field remnants from the Midge, but current conditions of the wreck site are unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”midge-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
The Midge, a small Racine schooner carrying 40 tons of slab timber, was lost during a late spring squall off Milwaukee on May 9, 1883. Her anchors failed, and she was ultimately wrecked ashore, a complete loss. No lives were lost, but her fate exemplifies the dangers small cargo vessels faced in early-season storms on Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →