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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”thomas-m-ryan-1873″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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
- Vessel Type: Wooden schooner
- Built: 1873 (exact yard not recorded)
- Official No.: Not found in primary sources
- Dimensions / Tonnage: Unspecified in the immediate record
- Cargo: Coal
- Final Voyage & Loss: Departed under tow of the propeller NEW YORK, encountered a gale amid storm and fog conditions. On November 3, 1874, the tow parted and Thomas M. Ryan was driven ashore and lost. No crew fatalities are documented. No survivors or lifeboats reported. (Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Vessel Characteristics
- Likely a two-masted coastal schooner typical of the era, constructed predominantly of wood, rigged for coastal bulk cargo transport.
- Equipped for towing operations, which suggests reinforced towing points and a relatively robust hull for coastal service.
History & Final Voyage
- Entered service in 1873, presumably carrying bulk commodities such as coal, essential for powering industrial and rail operations along the Upper Midwest.
- On the ill-fated voyage of November 3, 1874, she was under tow by the propeller NEW YORK. Conditions included storm and fog. The tow line broke during a gale and the schooner washed ashore. No detailed declarations of casualties or cargo losses survive. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
- Described as “lost” — meaning likely unsalvageable upright wreck alongshore.
- No records of salvage, survey, or formal inquiry found.
- Cargo of coal presumably lost with the vessel; no reported insurance claims or Notices to Mariners discovered.
Research Gaps & Next Steps
- Design & Registry Data: Need to consult enrollment logs (e.g., U.S. Enrollment Database or HCGL casualty lists) for builder, dimensions, and official number.
- Propeller NEW YORK Identification: Confirm vessel identity and tow arrangements via inquiries into towing company records or steamship registrations.
- Local Press Accounts: Newspapers from late 1874 in ports like Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Haven, or Michigan City may hold accident reports or crew statements.
- Marine Insurance / Legal Proceedings: Search Chicago/Milwaukee marine underwriter records for claims.
- NOAA/Notices to Mariners: Review archival bulletins for hazard reporting that may mention grounded wreck.
Data Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry summarizing the loss under tow with cargo of coal (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Conclusion
Although modest in size and scope, Thomas M. Ryan exemplifies the hidden risks of towed operations during Great Lakes autumn storms. 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, survey and archival research are needed.
Recommended Actions
- Port Enrollment Lists: Investigate Chicago or Manitowoc enrollment ledgers for 1873 vessels.
- Local Newspapers: Milwaukee Journal, Chicago Tribune (Nov 1874), maritime sections for tow‑boat incidents.
- Archival Maps / Marine Charts (1874): To estimate possible grounding sites given tow route and gale direction.
- Dive Site Reconnaissance: Once approximate location is narrowed, perform shallow‑water reconnaissance or side‑scan survey.