Shipwreck Report: William C. Moreland / Sir Trevor Dawson

Identification & Site Information

• Name: William C. Moreland (later renamed Sir Trevor Dawson)
• Type: Steamer (Freighter)
• Owner: Jones & Laughlin, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Date of Incident: October 18, 1910
• Location: Eagle River Reef, Lake Superior, near Eagle River, Michigan
• GPS Coordinates 47° 25.047′  N 088° 19.421′ W
• Condition: Initially stranded, later broke into three parts due to winter weather

Vessel Type Description

The William C. Moreland was a state-of-the-art freighter when launched in September 1910, designed for heavy cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Her robust construction and modern design symbolized the peak of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipbuilding. However, the perilous waters and notorious reefs of Lake Superior proved formidable even for such advanced vessels.

History of the Incident

On October 18, 1910, the William C. Moreland struck the Eagle River Reef while carrying 23 crew members. The grounding left the vessel stranded, and salvage efforts were hampered by the onset of harsh winter weather. The unforgiving conditions caused the Moreland to break into three parts, rendering her a Total Loss at the time. Despite the disaster, all crew members managed to escape in small boats, ensuring no lives were lost.

Eagle River Reef’s Infamy

The reef was notorious, claiming at least 16 vessels over 16 years. Among its victims were:

• The Steamer J.H. Pickands (1894)
• The Steamer Colorado (1896)
• The Tug Fern, lost during salvage operations on the reef

Salvage Efforts and Resurrection

In 1911, Captain James Reid of the Reid Wrecking Company orchestrated a remarkable effort to salvage the wreck. Using innovative techniques. The Moreland was floated and pumped out, towed to Portage Lake, where it was revealed that looters had stripped the vessel during the winter, taking nearly everything movable. Captain Reid vowed to prosecute the culprits.

Despite the setbacks, the Moreland’s Hull was deemed salvageable. In 1916, the vessel was towed to the Superior Shipyards, where a new forward end was constructed. The two halves were connected, effectively giving the Moreland a new lease on life.

Renaming and Recommissioning

Upon her transformation, the vessel was renamed Sir Trevor Dawson and became part of the Canada Steamship Company fleet. The Steamer, once a symbol of tragedy, now represented resilience and triumph. She continued to operate on the Great Lakes, bearing testament to the ingenuity and determination of her salvagers and operators.

Legacy

The story of the William C. Moreland / Sir Trevor Dawson illustrates the treacherous nature of the Great Lakes and the resilience of maritime communities. She survived one of the region’s most notorious reefs, endured looting, and was ultimately reborn as a functional vessel, carrying the legacy of her builders, crew, and salvagers.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Eagle River Reef: Known for its navigational hazards; charts in the area often include advisory notes to mariners.

Current Condition: The reef remains a point of interest for divers and historians, though remnants of earlier wrecks, including the Moreland, are not confirmed to be accessible.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries sanctuaries.noaa.gov
• David Swayze Shipwreck Database
• shipwrecks.com
• Shipwrecks of Lake Superior
• greatlakeships.org
• 3DShipwrecks.com – William C Moreland wreckage

William C Moreland by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The William C. Moreland, reborn as Sir Trevor Dawson, exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of Great Lakes shipping. Her grounding at Eagle River Reef and subsequent resurrection demonstrate both the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes and the resilience of maritime industries. Her story remains a compelling chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipwrecks, symbolizing survival and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Keywords

#WilliamCMoreland #SirTrevorDawson #EagleRiverReef #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #GreatLakesHistory #ShipSalvage #MaritimeResilience #JonesAndLaughlin