Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Tanner
- Type: Wooden Bark (Three-masted sailing vessel)
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: Ellsworth & Davidson
- Dimensions: 156.38 ft (47.66 m) X 31.75 ft (9.68 m); Depth of hold: 12.08 ft (3.68 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 434.95
- Location: Near Milwaukee harbour entrance
- Coordinates: Latitude: 43°01.319′N, Longitude: 87°53.646′W
- Official Number: 24236
- Original Owners: Guido Pfister, Gottlieb Bossert, Frederick Vogel, Nicholas Johnson, William McFadden
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Bark (Three-masted sailing vessel)
Description
The Tanner was a wooden bark, a three-masted sailing vessel with a square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main and mizzenmasts. Built in Milwaukee in 1863 by Ellsworth & Davidson, she was designed for the Great Lakes trade, primarily transporting bulk cargoes such as wheat. Her construction reflected the shipbuilding practices of the mid-19th century, emphasizing durability and cargo capacity.
History
Commissioned by Milwaukee tanners Guido Pfister, Gottlieb Bossert, and Frederick Vogel, the Tanner was launched on 31 October 1863. Captain Nicholas Johnson, also a part-owner, commanded her initial voyages. On her maiden voyage to Buffalo, she suffered damage to her foremast and mainmast head off Sheboygan, necessitating repairs in Detroit. Ownership changed in 1867 when Pfister and Bossert sold their shares to Johnson, and Captain William McFadden took command. In May 1869, en route from Milwaukee to Buffalo, her topsail yard was carried away, but she completed the voyage safely.
On 9 September 1875, the Tanner departed Milwaukee for Buffalo with a cargo of wheat. Around 10 PM, a sudden squall preceding a northeast gale struck, damaging her sails. She anchored in four fathoms of water near the harbour entrance. The tug F.C. Maxon attempted a rescue but was thwarted by the storm. By 4 AM on 10 September, the Tanner was driven into the pier pilings, breaking her keel and causing her to sink to her decks. Captain M.D. Howard and his crew of nine sought refuge in the rigging. Rescue attempts by the U.S. Revenue Cutter Andrew Johnson failed due to the severe conditions. Local efforts, including those by Mr. Chris Starke and the tug J.J. Hagerman, eventually facilitated the rescue of the crew. Tragically, Captain Howard drowned during the ordeal. The incident highlighted the need for a dedicated lifesaving service in Milwaukee, leading to the establishment of Station No. 10 in 1876.
Significant Incidents
- On her maiden voyage, the Tanner suffered damage to her foremast and mainmast head off Sheboygan.
- In May 1869, her topsail yard was carried away during a voyage from Milwaukee to Buffalo.
- On 10 September 1875, the Tanner sank after being driven into pier pilings during a gale, resulting in the drowning of Captain M.D. Howard.
Final Disposition
The Tanner sank near the entrance to Milwaukee harbour on 10 September 1875 after being driven into pier pilings during a gale. Her remains were reported to be breaking up shortly after the incident. In October 2018, side scan sonar detected wreckage northeast of Jones Island, but its identification as the Tanner remains unconfirmed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Tanner is currently unverified, with potential wreckage detected by sonar but not conclusively identified.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”tanner-us-24236″ title=”References & Links”]
The Tanner’s sinking in 1875 underscores the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century and the importance of maritime safety infrastructure. The tragedy prompted the establishment of Milwaukee’s first lifesaving station, enhancing rescue capabilities for future maritime incidents. While the exact location of the Tanner’s remains is still under investigation, her story remains a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Michigan.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Tanner
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: 24236
- Date Built: 31 October 1863
- Measurements:
- Length: 156.38 ft (47.66 m)
- Beam: 31.75 ft (9.68 m)
- Depth of Hold: 12.08 ft (3.68 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 434.95
- Date Lost: 10 September 1875
- Final Disposition: Sank near Milwaukee harbour entrance
Vessel Type
Wooden Bark (Three-masted sailing vessel)
Description
The Tanner was a wooden bark, a three-masted sailing vessel with a square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main and mizzenmasts. Built in Milwaukee in 1863 by Ellsworth & Davidson, she was designed for the Great Lakes trade, primarily transporting bulk cargoes such as wheat. Her construction reflected the shipbuilding practices of the mid-19th century, emphasizing durability and cargo capacity.
History
Commissioned by Milwaukee tanners Guido Pfister, Gottlieb Bossert, and Frederick Vogel, the Tanner was launched on 31 October 1863. Captain Nicholas Johnson, also a part-owner, commanded her initial voyages. On her maiden voyage to Buffalo, she suffered damage to her foremast and mainmast head off Sheboygan, necessitating repairs in Detroit. Ownership changed in 1867 when Pfister and Bossert sold their shares to Johnson, and Captain William McFadden took command. In May 1869, en route from Milwaukee to Buffalo, her topsail yard was carried away, but she completed the voyage safely.
On 9 September 1875, the Tanner departed Milwaukee for Buffalo with a cargo of wheat. Around 10 PM, a sudden squall preceding a northeast gale struck, damaging her sails. She anchored in four fathoms of water near the harbour entrance. The tug F.C. Maxon attempted a rescue but was thwarted by the storm. By 4 AM on 10 September, the Tanner was driven into the pier pilings, breaking her keel and causing her to sink to her decks. Captain M.D. Howard and his crew of nine sought refuge in the rigging. Rescue attempts by the U.S. Revenue Cutter Andrew Johnson failed due to the severe conditions. Local efforts, including those by Mr. Chris Starke and the tug J.J. Hagerman, eventually facilitated the rescue of the crew. Tragically, Captain Howard drowned during the ordeal. The incident highlighted the need for a dedicated lifesaving service in Milwaukee, leading to the establishment of Station No. 10 in 1876.
Final Disposition
The Tanner sank near the entrance to Milwaukee harbour on 10 September 1875 after being driven into pier pilings during a gale. Her remains were reported to be breaking up shortly after the incident. In October 2018, side scan sonar detected wreckage northeast of Jones Island, but its identification as the Tanner remains unconfirmed.
Located By & Date Found
- Potential Discovery: October 2018
- Discoverer: Jerry Guyer (side scan sonar detection)
- Verification: Brendon Baillod confirmed wreckage presence but questioned its identification as the Tanner
- Coordinates: Latitude: 43°01.319′N, Longitude: 87°53.646′W
NOTMARs & Advisories
Nil return.
Resources & Links
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Tanner (1863)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Tanner (Bark), aground, 9 Sep 1875
- Wisconsin 101: The Wreck of the Tanner
Conclusion
The Tanner’s sinking in 1875 underscores the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century and the importance of maritime safety infrastructure. The tragedy prompted the establishment of Milwaukee’s first lifesaving station, enhancing rescue capabilities for future maritime incidents. While the exact location of the Tanner’s remains is still under investigation, her story remains a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Michigan.
tanner 1875-09-10 21:38:00