Scotia US 115271

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Scotia
• Type: Iron-hulled package freighter
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Union Dry Dock Co., Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions: 231.5 ft (70.6 m) × 34.8 ft (10.6 m) × 15 ft (4.6 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,502 gross tons; 1,334 net tons
• Location: Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: Keweenaw Point, Michigan (exact coordinates unknown)
• Official Number: 115271
• Original Owners: Originally Charles Ensign & Holt (Union Line); later J.G. Milburn (1884); P.P. Pratt, F.L. Danforth & James Ash (1884)
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Scotia was one of a class of four iron-hulled package freighters (sisters: Russia, Cuba, Java) launched at Buffalo in 1873 by the Union Dry Dock Company for the Union Line. At over 230 feet long, she was among the earliest large iron freighters on the Great Lakes, designed to haul mixed cargo including wheat, manufactured goods, and bulk commodities. Her iron hull and steeple compound engine represented advanced technology for the era, costing $166,000 at launch.

Description

The Scotia was one of a class of four iron-hulled package freighters (sisters: Russia, Cuba, Java) launched at Buffalo in 1873 by the Union Dry Dock Company for the Union Line. At over 230 feet long, she was among the earliest large iron freighters on the Great Lakes, designed to haul mixed cargo including wheat, manufactured goods, and bulk commodities. Her iron hull and steeple compound engine represented advanced technology for the era, costing $166,000 at launch.

History

• 1873 (May 19) – Launched at Buffalo; duplicate of Russia, Cuba, and Java. Entered Union Line service Buffalo–Chicago–Lake Superior.
• 1873 (July) – Carried record cargo of 1,720 tons.
• 1877 – Briefly ran “wild” (independent of fleet line service).
• 1878 (Aug 15) – Ashore at Toledo, Ohio; repaired.
• 1881 – Regularly stopped at Port Huron on Buffalo–Chicago run.
• 1884 (Sep 8) – Ashore on rocks at Agate Bay; later repaired in Detroit.
• 1884 (Oct 20) – Owned by Pratt, Danforth & Ash.
• 1884 (Oct 24) – Stranded in a Lake Superior snowstorm near Keweenaw Point while carrying wheat from Buffalo to Duluth. Vessel broke in two and was declared a total loss.

Significant Incidents

• 1884 (Oct 24) – The iron steamer Scotia, laden with wheat, stranded in a Lake Superior snowstorm near Keweenaw Point. Broken in two, she was abandoned. Later, her engines, boilers, and much of her ironwork were salvaged.

Final Disposition

Wrecked at Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior, in a snowstorm on 24 October 1884. Declared a total loss, but extensive salvage occurred:

• 1886 – Boilers and engines recovered.
• 1890 – Iron frame cut into sections and sold as scrap to Duluth junk dealers.
• 1974 – A 9-foot iron propeller salvaged and displayed at Fort Wilkins State Park Museum, Copper Harbor, Michigan.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Known since loss in 1884. Salvage operations in 1886, 1890, and 1974 confirmed wreck site near Keweenaw Point. Remains are scattered and incomplete. No modern Notices to Mariners apply. Site heavily salvaged, not a navigational hazard.

Resources & Links

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Access to the wreck is possible by boat from Copper Harbor. The entry point is at Keweenaw Point, Michigan. Conditions in Lake Superior can be cold, and the wreck is heavily salvaged and scattered. The depth range is shallow nearshore remains. Emergency contacts include the USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie, and permits are required for artifact recovery under Michigan law. Dive support is available from nearby charter services.