Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Toboggan
- Type: Scow, wood, self-unloading
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: Milwaukee Shipyard Co.
- Dimensions: Approximately 150′ x 30′
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: 15 miles off Milwaukee
- Official Number: (unregistered?)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Toboggan was a self-unloading wooden scow designed for the transport of bulk goods.
Description
The Toboggan was built in 1886 by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co.. It measured approximately 150 feet in length and 30 feet in beam. The vessel was primarily used for transporting bulk goods, including salt and lumber.
History
On July 12, 1887, while being towed by the steamer MARSHALL F. BUTTERS, the Toboggan capsized and sank in Lake Michigan approximately 15 miles off the coast of Milwaukee. The vessel was reportedly overloaded with 2,000 barrels of salt and 350,000 board feet of lumber, which likely contributed to its instability and subsequent loss.
Significant Incidents
- The Toboggan capsized due to an overloading error during the loading process.
- The crew successfully abandoned the vessel using their yawl, and fortunately, there were no fatalities.
Final Disposition
After capsizing, the Toboggan was lost at sea, and its wreck has presumably never been recovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Toboggan wreck is unknown, as it has not been located since its sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”toboggan” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Divers are reminded to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories while exploring the underwater heritage of the Toboggan.
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.
TOBOGGAN
- Other names: Unknown
- Official no.: (unregistered?)
- Type at loss: Scow, wood, self-unloading
- Build info: 1886, Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Milwaukee
- Specs: Approximately 150′ x 30′
- Date of loss: July 12, 1887
- Place of loss: 15 miles off Milwaukee, Lake Michigan
- Type of loss: Loading error
- Loss of life: None
- Carrying: 2,000 barrels of salt and 350,000 board feet of lumber
Detail:
The Toboggan was a self-unloading wooden scow built by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co. in 1886. On July 12, 1887, the vessel capsized and sank while being towed by the steamer MARSHALL F. BUTTERS off Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. The scow was reportedly overloaded with 2,000 barrels of salt and 350,000 board feet of lumber, which likely contributed to the accident. When the scow began to list and capsize, the crew was able to escape by launching their yawl, and fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.
The Toboggan was engaged in the transport of bulk goods from Milwaukee, and it seems that an error during loading or cargo distribution may have led to its instability and eventual foundering. After capsizing, the vessel was lost at sea, and its wreck was presumably never recovered.
Notable Details:
- The Toboggan was out of Milwaukee, which was a major shipping hub on Lake Michigan.
- The incident was likely due to an overloading error during the loading process, a common cause of ship accidents in the 19th century.
- The crew was able to abandon the vessel and survive without fatalities.