Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Robert Noble
- Type: Wooden-hulled sternwheel steambarge
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Alfred Anderson
- Dimensions: 76 ft (23.2 m) × 24 ft (7.3 m) × 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 74 G / 37 N tons
- Location: On Green Bay, near Menominee, Michigan
- Official Number: 110577
- Original Owners: Spear, Cox & Lawrence
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A wooden-hulled sternwheel steambarge, the Robert Noble was designed for transporting timber and supplies across inland waters, typical of the utility vessels of the 1880s.
Description
The Robert Noble was a small but nimble vessel, constructed from wood and featuring a sternwheel propulsion system. It was primarily used for hauling timber and supplies, reflecting the maritime needs of the region during its operational years.
History
Built in 1883 at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, by Alfred Anderson, the Robert Noble served in the timber trade. It was registered under the official number 110577 and had a registered tonnage of 74 gross tons and 37 net tons.
Significant Incidents
- Date Lost: 7 November 1888
- Incident: A lamp in the galley exploded, igniting a fire that consumed the vessel to the waterline. The crew abandoned ship, and the burning hulk drifted before being towed ashore by local fishermen.
- Casualties: None reported.
Final Disposition
The Robert Noble was completely destroyed by fire following the explosion. The vessel burned to the waterline, and as a total loss, no intact remains were left afloat or salvageable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site was visible to contemporaries, and the hulk was beached. However, no modern exploration or wreck survey has been conducted, and it is likely that remains were salvaged or removed.
Resources & Links
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The Robert Noble was a wooden steambarge that met its end on 7 November 1888, after a lamp explosion led to a devastating fire. The crew escaped unharmed, and the remains of the vessel were salvaged, marking the conclusion of its maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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