Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Valetta
- Type: Unknown
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Michigan, near Chicago
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Build & Type: Unknown—no recorded builder, official number, dimensions, or vessel type in standard registers.
Use: Likely a wood-hulled barge or tender operating from Chicago harbor.
Description
The Valetta was a small harbor vessel that was burned and sunk during the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1871, disappearing with little documentation.
History
The Great Chicago Fire engulfed the city, including many waterfront buildings, docks, and vessels moored along the Chicago River. The Valetta reportedly caught fire, burned to the waterline, and sank in Lake Michigan waters near Chicago. No casualties were documented.
Significant Incidents
- Date: October 8, 1871
- Event: The Great Chicago Fire engulfed the city, including many waterfront buildings, docks, and vessels moored along the Chicago River.
- Outcome: Valetta reportedly caught fire, burned to the waterline, and sank in Lake Michigan waters near Chicago.
- Casualties: None documented.
Final Disposition
The Valetta was lost during the Great Chicago Fire, with its remains likely submerged in Lake Michigan. The fire destroyed many shipyard and harbor records, complicating vessel tracking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Due to the lack of detailed records and the chaos of the fire, the current condition of the Valetta remains unknown. It is presumed to be submerged in Lake Michigan.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”valetta-1871″ title=”References & Links”]
To build a full profile of the Valetta, covering construction, ownership, crew, and aftermath, detailed archival searches in Chicago maritime and newspaper records are essential.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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