Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: V. Swain
- Type: Propeller, wood, bulk freight
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: W.J. Miller, Cleveland
- Dimensions: 187′ x 34′ x 14′ (57 x 10 x 4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 955 gross tons, 817 net tons
- Location: Howard’s Pocket, near Superior, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 25888
- Original Owners: James E. Sheehan (purchased in 1906)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type at Loss: Propeller, wood, bulk freight
Description
The V. SWAIN, a wooden propeller steamer, was destroyed by fire on November 7, 1907, while docked in Howard’s Pocket, near Superior, Wisconsin. The vessel had been laid up at the dock since 1903, after it had sprung a leak and sunk. It was during this period of disrepair that the fire broke out, and the vessel was burned to a total loss.
History
At the time of the fire, the LAFAYETTE, another steamer, was docked beside the V. SWAIN, and its salvaged after end had been attached. The fire ultimately led to the abandonment of the V. SWAIN, which was officially reported as abandoned in 1908.
James E. Sheehan of Detroit had purchased the V. SWAIN from its underwriters in 1906 and had intended to restore the vessel, but it was lost to fire before any significant repairs could be made.
The vessel had undergone major repairs in 1877, 1882, and 1883 during its active service.
Significant Incidents
- November 7, 1907: Destroyed by fire while docked.
- 1903: Laid up after springing a leak and sinking.
- 1908: Officially reported as abandoned.
Final Disposition
The V. SWAIN was declared a total loss due to the fire and was abandoned shortly thereafter.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the V. SWAIN is located in Howard’s Pocket, but specific dive conditions and accessibility details are not documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”v-swain-us-25888″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Divers are encouraged to explore the site respectfully, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories’. Remember to document your experience without disturbing the wreck.
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.
V. SWAIN
- Other Names: None
- Official No.: 25888
- Type at Loss: Propeller, wood, bulk freight
- Build Info: 1874, W.J. Miller, Cleveland
- Specs: 187′ x 34′ x 14′ (57 x 10 x 4 m), 955 gross tons, 817 net tons
- Date of Loss: November 7, 1907
- Place of Loss: Howard’s Pocket, near Superior, Wisconsin Lake Superior
- Type of Loss: Fire
- Loss of Life:None
- Carrying: None
Detail:
The V. SWAIN, a wooden propeller steamer, was destroyed by fire on November 7, 1907, while docked in Howard’s Pocket, near Superior, Wisconsin. The vessel had been laid up at the dock since 1903, after it had sprung a leak and sunk. It was during this period of disrepair that the fire broke out, and the vessel was burned to a total loss.
At the time of the fire, the LAFAYETTE, another steamer, was docked beside the V. SWAIN, and its salvaged after end had been attached. The fire ultimately led to the abandonment of the V. SWAIN, which was officially reported as abandoned in 1908.
James E. Sheehan of Detroit had purchased the V. SWAIN from its underwriters in 1906 and had intended to restore the vessel, but it was lost to fire before any significant repairs could be made.
The vessel had undergone major repairs in 1877, 1882, and 1883 during its active service.
Sources:
- Bowling Green State University (Historical Great Lakes Vessels)
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes