Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Otego (renamed from City of St. Catharines in 1883)
- Type: Wooden propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: J. P. Abbey at Port Robinson, Ontario
- Dimensions: 139 ft × 26 ft × 13 ft; approx. 334 gross / 228 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 334 gross / 228 net tons
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Official Number: 155075
- Original Owners: Smith-Fee Co., Duluth
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Otego was a wooden propeller steamer, originally built in 1874 and later renamed from City of St. Catharines in 1883. It was primarily used for commercial transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Otego measured 139 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and had a depth of 13 feet. It had a registered tonnage of approximately 334 gross tons and 228 net tons. The vessel was constructed by J. P. Abbey at Port Robinson, Ontario.
History
The Otego served various routes, primarily operating out of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and was owned by the Smith-Fee Company of Duluth. The vessel had a notable service history, including a stranding incident just a week prior to its loss.
Significant Incidents
- Stranding Incident: A week before the fire, the Otego was stranded on Whaleback Shoal alongside the schooner Red, White & Blue.
- Fire Incident: On 17 October 1895, while loading ballast at the Winona & St. Paul Railroad dock, the Otego caught fire, leading to its drifting downstream and striking the Mason Street Bridge, which also caught fire.
- Casualties: One life was lost in the fire, with injuries reported among crew and dock workers.
Final Disposition
The Otego burned to a total loss. Its machinery was salvaged around 1900, but the hull was deemed too damaged to be rebuilt and is presumed lost permanently.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No modern archaeological remains of the Otego have been documented. The wreck site is not accessible for diving due to its condition and location.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”otego-us-155075-city-of-st-catharines” title=”References & Links”]
The Otego represents a significant piece of maritime history in the Great Lakes region, with its loss highlighting the dangers faced by vessels during that era. Further research may uncover more details about its service and the circumstances surrounding its tragic end.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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