Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ostrich
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1856
- Builder: unknown
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~279 GRT
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
Description
The Ostrich was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1856. It had a registered tonnage of approximately 279 gross tons. The master of the vessel was Capt. John McKay.
History
The Ostrich departed from Milwaukee light on October 19, 1892, intending to load hemlock lumber at Torch Lake for its return to Milwaukee. Unfortunately, it encountered the same severe storm that sank the steel freighter W.H. Gilcher.
Significant Incidents
- The Ostrich foundered during the gale of October 27-28, 1892, likely after taking on water and capsizing or sinking.
- All 6 aboard (or possibly 7, as sources vary) perished in the incident.
Final Disposition
Speculation exists that the Ostrich may have collided with the W.H. Gilcher, given they sank in the same storm zone. However, the Ostrich bore no hull damage consistent with such a collision.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site of the Ostrich remains to be surveyed. Research and archival investigations are recommended to gather more information about the incident and the vessel’s history.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ostrich-1856″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Ostrich serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather events.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Schooner Ostrich (built 1856 – sunk October 28, 1892)
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Built: 1856 (yard unknown)
- Tonnage: ~279 GRT
- Master: Capt. John McKay
Final Voyage & Loss – October 27–28, 1892
- Departed Milwaukee light (empty) on October 19, 1892, intending to load hemlock lumber at Torch Lake for return to Milwaukee (us-data.org).
- Caught in the same “Big Storm” that sank the steel freighter W.H. Gilcher.
- The savage gale of October 27–28 swept across northern Lake Michigan, and the Ostrich, loaded with lumber, foundered—likely after taking on water and capsizing or sinking(us-data.org).
- Casualties: All 6 aboard (or possibly 7, sources vary) perished (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Possible Collision & Disturbing Connections
- Speculation exists that Ostrich may have collided with the W.H. Gilcher, given they sank in the same storm zone—though the Ostrich bore no hull damage consistent with such a collision(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Historical Significance
- Illustrates how wooden lumber schooners were not immune to violent storms and could be overwhelmed—even when anchored or fully laden.
- The shared fate with Gilcher highlights the storm’s extreme severity and exposes the vulnerability of Great Lakes vessels, both wood and steel.
- The loss contributed to rising doubts about steel ship superiority—a controversy ignited by the Gilcher sinkings(michiganmysteries.com).
Research & Survey Considerations
| Objective | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Wreck-Site Survey | Target search area 20 mi NW of North Manitou / Fox Islands (where Gilcher was seen struggling)—use side-scan sonar and magnetometer surveys, with dive follow-up |
| Archival Investigation | Gather survivor testimonies from other ships like Seamen, John Shaw, or lake steamers present in the storm (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files) |
| Captain’s and Crew Records | Look for enrollment logs (c. 1856–1892) and death or casualty records in Milwaukee or Torch Lake archives |
| Newspaper Accounts | Review Buffalo Courier, Oswego Daily Palladium, Buffalo Enquirer, and Weekly Argus News from October–November 1892 for incident reporting (us-data.org) |
Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Ostrich |
| Built | 1856 |
| Lost | Oct 27–28, 1892 – gale-sunk in Lake Michigan during lumber run |
| Crew | 6–7 lost |
| Significance | Example of wooden schooner vulnerability; ties to steel ship disaster; possible collision with Gilcher |