Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Octavia
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1849
- Builder: Either James McLaughlin (Kalamazoo, MI) or Captain Stockton (Singapour, MI)
- Dimensions: Length 108.4 ft (33.0 m); Beam 24.1 ft; Depth of hold 6.88 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 136 gross tons
- Location: Off north pier, Kewaunee, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: Approximately 44°28.126′ N, 87°29.377′ W, off Kewaunee pier
- Official Number: 18911
- Original Owners: Art Carter & Frank Stockbridge, Kalamazoo/Chicago
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type & Specifications
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Builder Name: James McLaughlin / Capt. Stockton
- Hull Material: Wood
- Rig: Schooner, 3 masts
- Dimensions:
- Length: 108.4 ft
- Beam: 24.1 ft
- Hold Depth: 6.88 ft
- Tonnage: Approx. 136 gross tons
Description
Description
The Octavia exemplifies mid-19th-century timber schooners that facilitated material movement from Michigan to Lake Michigan ports. Its grounding and abandonment off Kewaunee reflect common navigational hazards faced by these vessels, especially when relying on anchor in adverse wind conditions—a recurring factor in regional maritime accidents.
History
Service History
- Maintained service from 1849–1874 across Lake Michigan boarding small cargo such as timber and general freight.
- Known incidents:
- Aground near Grand River, MI (1855)
- Aground near Calumet (Jan 1856)
- Sank at St. Joseph, MI in 1858 (later raised)
- Valuation: $2,000 in earlier years; $3,000 in 1874, rated C1 insurance grade.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Grounded due to calm winds and insufficient anchoring on its final voyage.
- Stripped and abandoned by 19 May 1874, deemed beyond salvage at 26 years old.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The vessel was stripped and abandoned shortly after grounding, with its remains likely not preserved and unguided for diving.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: Likely stripped remains; not preserved and unguided for diving. Archaeological Recognition: Listed in the Wisconsin Shipwrecks database; included in site maps.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”octavia-us-18911″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Octavia serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Its story contributes to the maritime heritage of the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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