Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: ORION (later WEESEE)

•Type: Wooden Steam Screw Propeller

•Date of Incident: November 11, 1923

•Location: Near Middle Sister Island, Lake Erie

•Coordinates:

•Main Wreck Site: 41° 50.592’ N, 82° 59.567’ W

•Prop Shaft: 41° 50.609’ N, 82° 59.850’ W

•Depth: 22 feet (7 meters)

•Condition: Destroyed by fire; remains scattered on the lakebed

Vessel Type Description

The ORION, later known as WEESEE, was a wooden-hulled Steam Screw Vessel launched in October 1900 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Featuring a steel-arched and strapped Hull, the vessel was designed for durability, with a capacity to transport approximately 3,000 tons of freight.

Key dimensions:

•Overall Length: 282 feet

•Beam: 42.25 feet

•Depth: 16 feet at the midship hatch

The ship was powered by fore-and-aft compound engines and a boiler producing 130 pounds of pressure, showcasing advanced engineering for its time.

History

The ORION was built for the Green Bay Vessel Company and entered service in 1900. Renowned for its strength, the ship had a Gross Tonnage of 2,283 tons and a Net Tonnage of 1,590 tons. It was heavily used for freight transportation across the Great Lakes.

In 1918, the vessel was renamed WEESEE and sold to Canadian owners in 1920, operating under the Border Transit Co. and owned by Massey & Gatfield. Adjustments to the ship slightly reduced its length to 265.5 feet and Gross Tonnage to 1,829 tons, making it an efficient, robust vessel for ongoing commercial service.

Final Disposition

On November 11, 1923, the WEESEE was destroyed by a catastrophic fire on Lake Erie. The blaze consumed the vessel, leaving only scattered remnants. The exact cause of the fire is unclear, but the destruction was total. Today, parts of the wreck, including the prop shaft, lie scattered near Middle Sister Island.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this site. Mariners should exercise caution due to the presence of wreckage near the coordinates, which may pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreck was documented shortly after its loss in 1923. It is recognized as a significant historical wreck, with the prop shaft serving as a notable marker on the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in 22 feet of water, making it accessible to divers. The scattered remains, partially buried and damaged by fire, are unlikely to provide a complete structural outline of the vessel. Key features, such as the prop shaft, may still hold interest for divers and maritime historians.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

Conclusion

The WEESEE, formerly ORION, represents a significant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Its robust design, years of service, and tragic end in a fiery disaster highlight the challenges faced by early 20th-century vessels. The wreck near Middle Sister Islandis a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in maritime trade and travel during this period.

Tags

•#GreatLakes

•#LakeErie

•#SteamScrew

•#Shipwrecks

•#MaritimeHistory

•#HistoricalShipwreck

•#WEESEE

•#ORION

•#FireAtSea

•#UnderwaterExploration