Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Thomas M. Ryan
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lost along the shore
- Official Number: Not found in primary sources
- Number of Masts: Likely two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner, likely a two-masted coastal vessel typical of the era, constructed predominantly of wood and rigged for coastal bulk cargo transport.
Description
Equipped for towing operations, the Thomas M. Ryan suggests reinforced towing points and a relatively robust hull for coastal service. The vessel was primarily used to transport coal, essential for powering industrial and rail operations along the Upper Midwest.
History
Entered service in 1873, the Thomas M. Ryan was engaged in carrying bulk commodities such as coal. On November 3, 1874, during a storm and fog, the vessel was under tow by the propeller NEW YORK. The tow line broke during a gale, leading to the schooner washing ashore. No detailed declarations of casualties or cargo losses survive.
Significant Incidents
- November 3, 1874: The Thomas M. Ryan was lost after the tow line parted during a gale, resulting in the vessel being driven ashore.
Final Disposition
The Thomas M. Ryan is described as ‘lost,’ indicating it is likely an unsalvageable upright wreck along the shore. No records of salvage, survey, or formal inquiry have been found. The cargo of coal is presumed lost with the vessel, and no reported insurance claims or Notices to Mariners have been discovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck appears uncharted, with little trace beyond its final grounding. For technical divers or maritime archaeologists, the site may be near shore, potentially shallow and accessible. However, without precise grounding coordinates, further survey and archival research are needed.
Resources & Links
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Although modest in size and scope, the Thomas M. Ryan exemplifies the hidden risks of towed operations during Great Lakes autumn storms. The wreck remains a subject for further exploration and research.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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