Identification & Site Information

• Site Name: W.L. Wetmore.
• Type: Steamer (Bulk Freighter).
• Location: Rabbit Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.
• Coordinates: 45° 16.069′ N, 081° 42.543′ W.
• Depth: 25 to 90 feet (approximately 8 to 27 meters).
• Length: 214 feet (65.2 meters).

Steamer Description

The W.L. Wetmore was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter built in 1871 by the Cuyahoga Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio. Powered by a high-pressure single-cylinder engine (28 x 36 inches, 450 HP), the vessel was specifically designed for the rigours of Great Lakes navigation. Measuring 215.4 feet in length, with a beam of 33.4 feet and a depth of 14.2 feet, it was one of the more advanced bulk carriers of its era. Primarily serving as a consort to the Barge Brunette, the W.L. Wetmore transported lumber and other bulk goods across various trade routes.

History

The W.L. Wetmore was initially owned by George W. Bissell of Detroit, Michigan. Throughout its operational life, the vessel underwent multiple incidents, repairs, and ownership changes, which mirrored the challenging and dynamic nature of maritime trade in the late 19th century.

Key Events:

• 1890: Declared a Total Loss after a fire on Lake Erie but was Rebuilt in 1891, including a new boiler and Conversion to a single-Deck freighter.

• Frequent Mishaps: The vessel endured groundings, collisions, and mechanical failures over its lifetime, reflecting the perils of Great Lakes shipping.

Final Voyage:

On November 29, 1901, while loaded with lumber and towing the barges J.C. King and Brunette, the W.L. Wetmore encountered a violent storm near Rabbit Island in Georgian Bay. The pounding waves forced the vessel aground, and despite the crew’s efforts, the W.L. Wetmore and its consorts were destroyed. The ship’s official documents were surrendered in Buffalo on January 25, 1902, marking the end of its operational life.

Final Disposition

The remains of the W.L. Wetmore lie scattered on the bottom of Georgian Bay near Rabbit Island. The wreckage, spread across depths ranging from 25 to 90 feet, is a testament to the ship’s storied history and the treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes. The site is a popular destination for divers, offering an opportunity to explore skeletal remains of the freighter and its barges, which provide a unique window into the region’s maritime past.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the W.L. Wetmore has long been known to divers and historians in the Georgian Bay area. While the precise date of discovery is unclear, the site has been recognized and preserved as a valuable historical and recreational location.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Diving Conditions:

• Depth ranges from 25 to 90 feet, suitable for divers with varying experience levels.

• Hazards: Potential for entanglement in wreck debris.

• Site Respect: Divers should avoid disturbing the wreck or surrounding environment.

Resources & Links

• • 3D Model of W.L. Wetmore on Sketchfab by Andrew Goodman.
• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
• • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck records.

3D Model W.L. Wetmore

W. L. Wetmore by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The W.L. Wetmore epitomizes the resilience and risks of 19th-century bulk freighters on the Great Lakes. Its history, marked by significant challenges and eventual destruction, is preserved in its final resting place near Rabbit Island. The wreck offers a tangible connection to the era’s maritime heritage, drawing divers and historians alike to explore its legacy beneath the waters of Georgian Bay.

Keywords

W.L. Wetmore, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Bulk Freighter, Great Lakes Shipping, Maritime History, Diving, Rabbit Island, Tobermory.