Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Otter
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: James W. Scott
- Dimensions: 105 × 26 × 12 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 205 gross tons, 195 net tons
- Location: ~12 miles north of Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 19125
- Original Owners: David Gallagher et al., Marine City, Michigan; later registered to John Caesar of Chicago
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Otter was a two-masted wooden schooner designed for coastal trade, characterized by its flat-bottom hull.
Description
Built in 1863 by James W. Scott, the Otter measured approximately 105 feet in length and was registered at 205 gross tons. It was primarily used for transporting lumber and cordwood across the Great Lakes.
History
The Otter was a common sight on Lake Michigan, particularly noted for its role in the lumber trade during the mid-to-late 19th century. Its final voyage began with a load of 130 cords of cordwood, departing from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, bound for Chicago.
Significant Incidents
- Grounding Incident: On October 10, 1895, the Otter encountered strong easterly gusts as it left Sturgeon Bay, leading to its grounding approximately 12 miles north of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.
- Rescue: All six crew members were safely rescued using a breeches buoy deployed by the Sturgeon Bay U.S. Life-Saving Service.
- Casualties: There were no casualties among the crew during the incident.
Final Disposition
After the grounding, the Otter was subjected to increasingly severe waves that ultimately destroyed the vessel beyond salvage. The enrollment of the vessel was surrendered in Chicago on October 19, 1895.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Otter is considered destroyed, with potential remnants lying in shallow waters approximately 300 feet from the shore. Further archaeological exploration may be warranted to locate any remaining artifacts.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”otter-us-19125″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Otter serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the tumultuous fall storms. Its rescue operation highlights the early efforts of the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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