Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Wollin US 26349

Explore the wreck of the Wollin, a wooden schooner lost in 1897, known for its long service on the Great Lakes and dramatic final voyage.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Wollin
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Year Built: 1854
  • Builder: J.M. Jones, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Dimensions: Length 84 ft (25.6 m); Beam 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold 5 ft (1.5 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 49 gross; 46 net tons
  • Location: 2 miles north of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
  • Official Number: 26349
  • Original Owners: Captain Bergman, Holland, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Wollin is classified as a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two or more masts and a fore-and-aft rig.

Description

The Wollin was built in 1854 and served primarily in coastal trading, transporting lumber and agricultural goods across the Great Lakes. Over her 43 seasons, she became a notable vessel in the region.

History

The Wollin was constructed by J.M. Jones in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was designed for coastal trading. She underwent two major rebuilds in 1872 and 1878, which extended her operational life. By the late 19th century, wooden schooners like the Wollin were being replaced by steamships, marking her as one of the last of her kind.

Significant Incidents

  • April 29, 1897: The Wollin was driven ashore in a storm near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while carrying wood and potatoes.
  • The crew of five was rescued by the Lifesaving Service under challenging conditions.

Final Disposition

The Wollin was declared a total loss after being driven ashore. The wreck is believed to be buried under shifting sands near the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Little remains of the Wollin today due to her small size and long exposure to the elements. Side-scan sonar or magnetometer surveys may help locate remnants of her iron fittings, ballast stones, or hull fragments.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Wollin represents a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing the resilience of wooden schooners and the dangers faced by sailors in the region. Her legacy continues to be remembered through research and exploration.