Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Oscoda
- Type: Wooden steambarge
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: Simon Langell, St. Clair, MI
- Dimensions: Length: 175 ft (53.34 m); Beam: 32.4 ft; Depth of hold: 13.3 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 529.7 tons; Net: 345.2 tons; Cargo Capacity: ~800 tons
- Location: Pelkie Reef, ~2 miles off Epoufette, MI
- Official Number: 155012
- Original Owners: Henry Fish & Co., St. Clair, MI; Edward Hines Lumber Co., Chicago
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steambarge with 1 deck and 2 masts, designed for the lumber trade.
Description
The Oscoda was a wooden steambarge built in 1878, primarily used for transporting lumber. It featured a single high-pressure engine and was notable for its combination of steam propulsion and traditional sailing elements.
History
Originally owned by Henry Fish & Co., the Oscoda underwent several ownership changes and upgrades throughout its service life. Significant modifications included an engine upgrade in 1885 and a new boiler installation in 1893. The vessel was ultimately owned by Edward Hines Lumber Co. by 1901.
Significant Incidents
- 1885: Engine upgraded (steepled) by Globe Iron Works; ~500 hp.
- 1887–1889: Ownership changed hands; stranded on Horseshoe Reef (1889).
- 1914: Final stranding during early-November storm; vessel abandoned.
Final Disposition
The Oscoda was wrecked on November 8, 1914, after being stranded in a gale and snowstorm while carrying lumber. The enrollment was surrendered on November 20, 1914.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Oscoda lies approximately 2 miles off Epoufette, MI, in Lake Michigan. It is part of the underwater landscape that divers can explore, although specific conditions may vary.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”oscoda-us-155012″ title=”References & Links”]
The Oscoda wreck serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes and the historical significance of wooden steambarges in the lumber trade.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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