Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: VAIL (later HERMAN H. HETTLER)
• Vessel Type: Steambarge
• Built By: James Davidson
• Place of Construction: West Bay City, Michigan, USA
• Year Built: 1890
• Dimensions:
• Length: 200 feet (60.96 m)
• Beam: 35 feet (10.67 m)
• Depth: 13.3 feet (4.05 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 726.33 tons
• Net Tonnage: 641.58 tons
• Cargo Capacity: 1,600-1,800 tons
• • Final Resting Place: Reef off Trout Point, Grand Island, Lake Superior
• • Coordinates: N46° 29.03’, W086° 35.98’
• • Depth Range: 10 to 40 feet (3 to 13 m)

Vessel Type Description

The VAIL was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a workhorse vessel designed for bulk cargo transportation. Reinforced with steel arches and diagonal straps, it was built for durability in harsh Great Lakes conditions. It featured a single Screw Propulsion system powered by a compound steam engine and a robust bow for navigating icy waters.

History

Construction and Early Years (1890):

The VAIL was launched in 1890, equipped with advanced features for its time, including a steam Windlass and pumps, a steel boilerhouse, and reinforced bow construction. Initially owned by H.W. Cook and associates from Michigan City, Indiana, it was used for bulk cargo transport.

Rebuilds and Ownership Changes:

• 1896: Purchased by Henry J. Pauly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and underwent significant rebuilding, including the addition of a second Deck.

• 1906: Converted into a lumber Barge in Milwaukee, reducing its Gross Tonnage to 789.51 tons and operating with a single mast.

• 1913: Acquired by the Herman H. Hettler Lumber Company of Chicago and renamed HERMAN H. HETTLER.

• 1925: Taken over by Wenonah Transportation Company of Michigan City, Indiana.

Incidents and Operational Challenges:

• Towing Service: The VAIL frequently towed barges like BALTIC, ADRIATIC, and JOHN L. CRANE, playing a critical role in the grain and lumber trade.

• Groundings:

• Stranded in Toledo Harbor, Ohio, in April 1898.

• Grounded in the Straits of Mackinac, requiring repairs in Buffalo, New York.

• Tragedy in 1925: The VAIL lost the towbarge JOHN L. CRANE near Crisp Point, Lake Superior, resulting in seven fatalities.

Final Voyage and Wreck (November 23, 1927)

The VAIL’s final journey ended during a snowstorm while transporting bulk salt from Ludington, Michigan, to Duluth, Minnesota. The vessel grounded on a reef off Trout Point, Grand Island, Lake Superior. The crew survived, but the vessel was declared a Total Loss. Its remains lie at depths of 10 to 40 feet, providing a shallow and accessible site for exploration.

Dive Site Description

The wreck of the VAIL offers an intriguing dive experience:

• Structural Features:

• Steel-reinforced wooden Hull and remaining components of its propulsion system.

• Evidence of its cargo capacity and Barge adaptations.

• Artifacts and Debris:

• Potential remnants of cargo and operational equipment.

• Marine Life:

• The shallow depth supports a thriving underwater ecosystem, making it appealing for ecological observation.

Legacy and Significance

The VAIL’s history reflects the evolution of Great Lakes shipping, from its robust early design to its adaptation as a lumber Barge. Its many rebuilds and ownership changes showcase the ingenuity required to extend the operational lives of such vessels. The tragic loss of the JOHN L. CRANE and its own stranding highlight the dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Resources and References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Comprehensive records on the VAIL and similar vessels.
• Great Lakes Historical Society: Insights into the vessel’s service and wreck history.
• Diver Networks and Conservation Groups: Dive site maps and environmental updates for the VAIL wreck.
• 3DShipwrecks – Vail

3D Models – Herman H Hettler

Site One

Herman Hettler Site1 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Two

Herman Hettler Site 2 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The VAIL (HERMAN H. HETTLER) stands as a testament to the resilience and risks of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its wreck near Grand Island offers a unique glimpse into the maritime history of the region, serving as both a diving destination and a memorial to a bygone era of industrial navigation.