Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Transfer
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Kirby, Furlong & Co., Grand Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 143 ft (43.6 m); Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 361 GT
- Location: East side of Big Summer Island, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 59353
- Original Owners: Tonawanda Barge Line
- Number of Masts: Originally a 3-mast schooner
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Transfer was a wooden schooner-barge, originally launched as a 3-masted schooner in 1874.
Description
The Transfer was constructed by Kirby, Furlong & Co. of Grand Haven, Michigan, with some records alternatively crediting John Callister. Initially built for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes, the Transfer was later converted into a schooner-barge, a common practice as towing by steamers became more efficient than relying solely on sail power.
History
She operated primarily in the Lake Michigan region, transporting lumber, coal, and general bulk freight between ports in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Owned by the Tonawanda Barge Line at the time of her loss, she was part of a fleet engaged in the busy Great Lakes shipping trade during the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- October 29, 1896: The Transfer was en route from Chicago to Manistique, Michigan, sailing light (without cargo) under tow of the steamer Alleghany.
- Encountered a severe storm near Big Summer Island, resulting in grounding on the island’s eastern shore.
- No lives were lost, but efforts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful, leading to its abandonment.
- Over the next year and a half, exposure to harsh weather caused the vessel to break apart and deteriorate.
Final Disposition
The Transfer was abandoned in place after the grounding. No significant salvage efforts were recorded, and over time, the wreck broke apart, with remains likely scattered along the shoreline of Big Summer Island.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No confirmed discovery of the wreck site has been documented. Given the vessel’s wooden construction and the extended period it remained exposed to the elements, any remaining wreckage may be minimal or buried in sediment along the island’s coast.
Resources & Links
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The Transfer exemplifies the transition era of Great Lakes shipping, where sailing schooners were converted into barges to be towed by steamers, maximizing efficiency. Her loss in 1896 near Big Summer Island reflects the ongoing challenges faced by mariners navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Michigan, especially when confronted with sudden storms. While no lives were lost, her gradual disintegration on the rocky shoreline serves as a reminder of the fragility of wooden vessels against the forces of nature.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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