Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Wasago (Wissahickon)

Explore the wreck of the Wasago, a wooden steamer that met its fate in Lake Superior, offering insights into early 20th-century maritime challenges.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Wasago (formerly Wissahickon)
  • Type: Wooden Steamer, Package Freight Propeller
  • Year Built: 1876
  • Dimensions: Length: 238 ft (72.5 m); Beam: 35 ft (10.7 m); Depth: 14 ft (4.3 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 1619 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 9.1 m / 30 ft
  • Location: Copper Harbor, Michigan
  • Official Number: C 117084

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The WASAGO, originally built as WISSAHICKON, was a large wooden steamer designed for package freight. It was built to handle the transportation of general cargo, such as farming machinery and supplies, across the Great Lakes. As a package freight propeller, the vessel had a powerful propulsion system and was capable of navigating the challenging waters of the region.

Description

The WASAGO was a wooden steamer that played a significant role in the transportation of cargo across the Great Lakes. Its design catered to the needs of shipping general freight, particularly farming machinery and supplies, which were essential for the agricultural economy of the region.

History

The WASAGO, originally named WISSAHICKON, was built in 1876 and later renamed after its registration under the Canadian flag. It primarily served in the transportation of cargo between ports on the Great Lakes, emphasizing its importance in regional trade.

Significant Incidents

  • Date of Loss: November 6, 1910
  • Incident: The WASAGO burned to the waterline while taking shelter at Copper Harbor, Michigan, from heavy northwest gales on Lake Superior.
  • Cargo: Farming machinery and supplies, valued as part of the vessel’s total loss of $200,000.

Final Disposition

The WASAGO was declared a total loss, and the vessel, along with its cargo, was abandoned by underwriters. Its engines, however, were salvaged from the wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is located in 30 feet of water near Copper Harbor, Michigan. Mariners and divers should note its location if accessible but exercise caution due to potential structural instability.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The sinking of the WASAGO (formerly WISSAHICKON) at Copper Harbor, Michigan, in 1910 underscores the perilous nature of shipping on the Great Lakes. Despite its tragic end, the vessel’s history reflects the vital role these ships played in regional commerce and their vulnerability to the harsh conditions of the time. Its legacy lives on as part of Lake Superior’s storied maritime history.