Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Stockman
- Type: propeller steamer
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location:
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Propeller steamer, likely used in fishing or general cargo.
Description
The Stockman was a propeller steamer that met its demise due to a fire while moored at her dock overnight. The incident occurred on August 29, 1865, resulting in the vessel being burned to a total loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties as no crew was aboard at the time of the fire.
History
This incident is documented in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, which states that the Stockman was burned to a total loss while at her dock for the night. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and further investigation into local newspaper coverage from that time may provide additional insights.
Significant Incidents
- Burn Incident: The Stockman was burned to a total loss while moored at her dock overnight on August 29, 1865.
Final Disposition
The vessel was destroyed by fire and either sunk or left charred at the dock. The final outcome of the wreck remains uncertain.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the current condition of the wreck is unknown, and it is presumed to be a total loss due to the fire.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”stockman-1865″ title=”References & Links”]
Further research is needed to uncover more details about the Stockman’s construction, ownership, and the circumstances surrounding the fire. Local newspaper archives and port records may provide valuable information.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Stockman – Incident Profile
Vessel: Stockman (propeller steamer, likely used in fishing or general cargo)
Date of Loss: August 29, 1865
Incident: Burned to a total loss while moored at her dock overnight
Casualties: None recorded—no one aboard at the time
Outcome: Vessel destroyed by fire; sunk or left charred at dock
This synopsis is drawn from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry: “Burned to a total loss while at her dock for the night.” No crew casualties were noted. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Research Gaps & Further Follow-Up
- Local Newspaper Coverage (Late August – Early September 1865)
Regional waterside newspapers—like the Detroit Free Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer, or Milwaukee Sentinel—may contain fire incident reports with location, cause, insurance status, and community impact. - Registry & Port Records
Checking the U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service or port authority files (Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee) could verify build specs, ownership, and official fire report. - Insurance Documentation
Marine underwriter records from 1865 might contain claim details, intended salvage, or after-action assessments. - Fire Department Logs / Dock Records
Harbor or city repository archives might keep logs from that date on dock fires or dockyard fire responses.