Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Susan Ward
- Type: Wooden two-masted lumber schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Oscoda, Michigan
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted lumber schooner
Built: 1862
Registry: U.S.—operating out of Oscoda, Michigan
Trade: Timber transport, primarily moving lumber from northern mills to wider markets
Description
The Susan Ward was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1862, primarily used for transporting lumber. It was registered in the United States and operated out of Oscoda, Michigan.
History
The Susan Ward was engaged in the timber trade, moving lumber from northern mills to various markets. Its service history reflects the reliance on small vessels for freight transport during the 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: A catastrophic storm hit Oscoda, Michigan. While moored to the Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co. dock, the fierce winds and waves sank the Susan Ward at her berth, tore off her deck structure, and pounded her remains into splinters, destroying the vessel entirely.
- Crew: None aboard; moored at time of loss—no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The vessel was completely broken apart at the dock; no intact hull or structural remains are known to survive. Debris likely washed into the river mouth and lake; any remnants would be fragmented and deeply buried by silt.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Susan Ward is no longer extant, as it was completely destroyed during the storm. There are no known remains of the vessel, making it inaccessible for diving.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”susan-ward-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Susan Ward serves as a significant case study in the vulnerabilities of small freight vessels during severe weather conditions, highlighting the need for improved mooring and dock protection practices in the 1880s.
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.
Schooner Susan Ward (built 1862 – lost August 8, 1885)
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted lumber schooner
- Built: 1862
- Registry: U.S.—operating out of Oscoda, Michigan
- Trade: Timber transport, primarily moving lumber from northern mills to wider markets
Final Voyage & Loss (August 8, 1885)
- Incident: A catastrophic storm hit Oscoda, Michigan. While moored to the Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co. dock, the fierce winds and waves:
- Sank the Susan Ward at her berth
- Tore off her deck structure
- Pounded her remains into splinters, destroying the vessel entirely
- Crew: None aboard; moored at time of loss—no casualties reported
Wreck Condition & Aftermath
- The vessel was completely broken apart at the dock; no intact hull or structural remains are known to survive
- Debris likely washed into the river mouth and lake; any remnants would be fragmented and deeply buried by silt
Historical & Archaeological Significance
- Illustrates the extreme vulnerability of small working vessels in exposed harbor locations during severe storms
- Highlights flawed mooring and dock protection practices of the 1880s—impacting discussions on harbor design and vessel safety
- Represents a class of lumber schooner phase-out by the late 19th century
Research & Investigation Opportunities
| Focus Area | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|
| Oscoda Press Coverage | Search Oscoda Press and regional newspapers (Aug–Sept 1885) for storm damage account and company responses |
| Coast Guard/Lifesaving Logs | May document the storm’s impact on harbor vessels—even without casualties, may include dock damage reports |
| Company Records | Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co. archives may note financial loss, claims, or rebuilding efforts following the storm |
| Harbor Archaeology | While intact remains are unlikely, a side-scan sonar survey at the dock entrance could identify submerged debris fields or remnants of submerged timbers |
| Engineering Lessons | Analysis of storm damage may contribute to historical studies on storm exposure and dock design improvements in harbor architecture |
Summary Profile
- Vessel: Susan Ward, built 1862
- Lost: August 8, 1885—destroyed at Oscoda dock during severe storm
- Cargo: Lumber
- Casualties: None; vessel uncrewed at time
- Remains: Completely broken—no extant hull
- Significance: Case study in storm impact on small freight vessels and harbor vulnerabilities