Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unknown (Possibly the William P. Rend)
• Vessel Type: Likely Steam Screw Barge
• Coordinates: Latitude 45°03’44.0”N, Longitude 83°23’35.0”W
• Location: Lake Huron, near Alpena, Michigan
• Depth: 1.2 meters (4 feet) below the surface
• Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
• Survey Data: Updated using Simrad 3002 multibeam system under AWOIS item H12132

Vessel Type Description

The wreck is suspected to be the William P. Rend, a steam screw Barge, a type of large freight vessel that was common on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These vessels were characterized by their Screw Propulsion systems, designed to carry large cargo loads efficiently.

•Original Name: George G. Hadley

•Built: 1888 in West Bay City, Michigan

Dimensions:

• Length: 287.6 feet (87.6 meters)
• Beam: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
• Depth: 23.6 feet (7.2 meters)
• Engine: 900 indicated horsepower, single Screw Propulsion

Tonnage:

• Gross: 2,323 tons
• Net: 1,697 tons

History

The William P. Rend, originally named the George G. Hadley, served as a significant freight vessel operating out of Chicago, Illinois.

• 1888: Built in West Bay City, Michigan.
• Renamed: William P. Rend and re-registered under U.S. Number 86026.
• Service: Primarily transported bulk cargo across the Great Lakes.
• Sinking Incident
• Date of Loss: September 22, 1917
• Location: Near Alpena, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Cause: Circumstances of the sinking remain unclear.
• Casualties: None; all crew members evacuated safely.

Post-Sinking

The wreck was reported as a navigation hazard as early as 1974, with surveys conducted to confirm its position. Marked on various charts, the site has been consistently noted as dangerous due to its shallow depth of just 4 feet below the surface.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies in Lake Huron, near Thunder Bay, submerged at a depth of 1.2 meters (4 feet), making it a significant navigation hazard. While the identity of the vessel remains uncertain, historical and physical evidence strongly suggest it is the William P. Rend. The wreck is deteriorated but remains a prominent submerged feature.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s location was documented and verified during modern surveys, including work under AWOIS item H12132, using advanced multibeam sonar technology.

•Chart References: Marked on chart CL1124/95.

•Coordinates: Latitude 45°03’44.0”N, Longitude 83°23’35.0”W.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Mariners should refer to current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) when navigating near Thunder Bay. The shallow position of the wreck makes it critical for vessels, particularly those with deeper drafts, to exercise caution. The site is regularly updated on nautical charts due to its navigational hazard status.

Legacy

The wreck, presumed to be the William P. Rend, adds to the historical and archaeological significance of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a region known for its high concentration of shipwrecks. Its story reflects the challenges of freight transport on the Great Lakes and serves as a testament to the evolution of maritime technology.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Comprehensive vessel and shipwreck records.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archive of Great Lakes maritime losses.
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Management and preservation of the region’s shipwrecks.
• NOAA AWOIS Database: Data on wrecks and Navigation Hazards.
• 3DShipwrecks – Willam Rend

3D Model – William Rend

 

William Rend by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords

#WilliamPRend #LakeHuronShipwreck #SteamBarge #NavigationHazard #ThunderBayWrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

•Latitude: 45°03’44.0”N

•Longitude: 83°23’35.0”W

•Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters) below the surface.

•Mariners and researchers should consult the latest survey data and NOTMARs for safe passage and updated positioning information.