Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sachem
- Type: Wooden steambarge
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Duncan Robertson, Grand Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: 187 ft × 22.5 ft × 14.8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 739.7 gross / 542.7 net tons
- Location: Roberts Landing, Michigan, on the St. Clair River
- Official Number: 116267
- Original Owners: J. E. Potts, F. M. Thompson, Edward A. Ayer, Mitchell & Rowland Lumber, Argo Steamship Co., Byron S. Aldrich, C. H. Little Co., United Fuel & Supply Co., Mae Lockheart and Lockheart Towing
- Number of Masts: 2 (likely used for auxiliary sails or derrick gear)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Sachem was a wooden steambarge designed primarily for hauling lumber and later sand. It featured a plain bow and round stern, with diagonal steel straps on its frames for added strength.
Description
Constructed in 1889, the Sachem was built by Duncan Robertson in Grand Haven, Michigan. It measured 187 feet in length, 22.5 feet in beam, and had a depth of 14.8 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 739.7 tons and a net tonnage of 542.7 tons, with a cargo capacity of approximately 675,000 board feet of lumber. The Sachem was powered by a 2-cylinder for-and-aft compound engine producing 425 horsepower and was equipped with a Scotch boiler.
History
The Sachem began its service in 1889 under the ownership of William H. Loutit, primarily transporting lumber and coal. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times, transitioning to sand haulage after being outfitted with clam-shell gear in 1912. The vessel frequently towed various barges and operated across the waters of Huron, Michigan, and Superior.
Significant Incidents
- 25 October 1928: The Sachem experienced an oil stove explosion while underway on the St. Clair River, leading to a catastrophic fire. The crew beached the vessel at Roberts Landing, but it burned completely, resulting in a total loss.
Final Disposition
The Sachem was declared a total loss after the fire on 25 October 1928. No casualties were reported from the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Sachem is no longer accessible for diving as it was destroyed in the fire at the dock. The site serves as a reminder of the risks associated with wooden steam vessels.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sachem-us-116267″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The history of the Sachem highlights the challenges faced by wooden steam vessels during the transition to modern marine fuel systems. Its legacy continues to be a point of interest for maritime historians and enthusiasts.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →