Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Pasadena
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Length: 259 ft (79 m); Beam: 40 ft (12.2 m); Depth of hold: 24.3 ft (7.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 2,076 tons; Net: 1,827 tons
- Location: Portage Ship Canal, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 150465
- Number of Masts: Three-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Pasadena was a large schooner designed for cargo transportation, typical of the Great Lakes fleet in the late 19th century. Schooners of this size were well-suited for carrying bulk goods such as lumber, coal, or grain across the vast and often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes. The three-masted Pasadena exemplified the engineering of her time, with a robust design that allowed her to handle significant loads while navigating challenging waterways.
Description
Built in 1889 in Cleveland, Ohio, the Pasadena quickly became a significant player in Great Lakes commerce, serving the booming industrial hubs of the region. Schooners like the Pasadena were integral to transporting essential goods that fueled the growth of cities and industries along the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Pasadena operated for nearly two decades before her tragic final voyage in 1906. Her career reflected the busy and sometimes perilous life of Great Lakes shipping during this era.
History
On October 8, 1906, the Pasadena was navigating Lake Superior when it encountered treacherous conditions near the Portage Ship Canal. The circumstances of her stranding remain unclear, but severe weather, mechanical failure, or navigational error may have contributed to the incident. At the time of the grounding, 10 individuals were aboard the vessel, including her regular crew and possibly passengers or additional workers.
Despite rescue efforts, two lives were lost during the stranding, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those aboard. The incident left the Pasadena irreparably stranded and marked the end of her service on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- October 8, 1906: The Pasadena stranded in Lake Superior near the Portage Ship Canal due to unclear circumstances, resulting in the loss of two lives.
Final Disposition
The Pasadena was declared a total loss after her stranding at Portage Ship Canal. The exact fate of her wreckage is not well-documented, but it is likely that salvage operations were attempted for any valuable materials, a common practice for vessels of the era.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Pasadena remains a significant historical site, although specific details about its current condition are not well-documented. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Pasadena underscores the inherent dangers of maritime trade on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and challenging navigation routes posed constant threats to vessels and their crews. The schooner’s story serves as a reminder of the risks taken by those who contributed to the region’s economic development during the height of industrial shipping.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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