Identification & Site Information

• Name: White Squall
• Former Names: None
• Official Registration Number: 26248
• Date Built and Launched: Built in 1852 by John Oades in Clayton, New York
• Measurements: Length: 131 ft (39.9 m) Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m) Depth: 10 ft (3 m) Tonnage: 241 tons
• Date of Loss: September 30, 1872
• Place of Loss: 10 miles off Tawas Point, Lake Huron

Vessel Type

The White Squall was a two-masted wooden Schooner, primarily used for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. By the time of her loss in 1872, she was operating as a tow Barge, reflecting the common practice of towing older sailing vessels behind steam-powered tugs to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

Constructed in 1852 by John Oades in Clayton, New York, the White Squall was a sizable Schooner for her time, with a 241-ton capacity and dimensions that made her suitable for long-haul freight operations across the Great Lakes. She was Rebuilt in 1867, likely to extend her operational life and modernize her structure as the demands of Great Lakes shipping evolved.

At the time of her final voyage, the White Squall was owned by H. Coyne of Detroit and under the command of Captain David H. Stinson. Her role as a tow Barge in a flotilla of vessels highlights the transitional period in Great Lakes shipping, where older sail-powered vessels were increasingly relegated to auxiliary roles behind more powerful steam tugs.

History & Final Voyage

On September 30, 1872, the White Squall was part of a tow of six vessels being hauled by the steam Tug Prindiville on Lake Huron. Among her tow-mates was the Schooner Libbie Nau, another vessel in the tow chain.

As the flotilla approached Tawas Point, they encountered a severe storm. The Towline broke, a common and dangerous occurrence in rough weather, leading to chaos among the connected vessels. In the ensuing confusion, the White Squall collided with the Libbie Nau. The impact caused the White Squall to take on water rapidly and founder approximately 10 miles off Tawas Point.

Crew’s Fate:

As the Schooner sank, the crew of eight attempted to escape in the ship’s Yawl (a small boat used for emergencies). However, the heavy seas capsized the Yawl as it neared shore. Of the eight crew members, seven perished, including Captain David H. Stinson. Only one crew member survived, making it ashore after the capsizing.

Loss of Life

The wreck of the White Squall resulted in the tragic loss of seven of her eight crew members. This high fatality rate reflects both the severity of the storm and the challenges of escaping a sinking vessel under such treacherous conditions. The sole survivor stands as a rare testament to resilience amidst one of the many maritime tragedies that befell sailors on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The White Squall was lost to the depths of Lake Huron after her collision and subsequent foundering. No salvage efforts are recorded, and the vessel was considered a Total Loss. Given the depth and location of her sinking, her remains may still rest somewhere near Tawas Point, but no confirmed discovery has been reported.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific navigational warnings related to the White Squall have been issued, but the waters near Tawas Point are known for sudden storms and challenging navigational conditions, contributing to numerous shipwrecks in the region.

Resources & Links

•  Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Maritime Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association

Conclusion

The loss of the White Squall in 1872 is a stark reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century. As part of a tow flotilla managed by the steam Tug Prindiville, the Schooner found herself at the mercy of a sudden Lake Huron storm, culminating in a collision with her towmate, the Libbie Nau. The crew’s desperate attempt to reach safety in their Yawl was thwarted by the same storm that doomed their vessel, resulting in the death of seven out of eight crew members.

The White Squall’s tragic end underscores the hazards faced by sailors, particularly those working on older vessels that were increasingly relegated to tow service in the face of advancing steam technology. Her story serves as a testament to the courage and resilience of Great Lakes mariners, who navigated these waters despite the ever-present threat of sudden storms and catastrophic accidents.

Suggested Keywords: White Squall Schooner, Tawas Point shipwrecks, Lake Huron maritime disasters, Great Lakes towing accidents, Libbie Nau collision, steam Tug Prindiville, 19th-century Great Lakes storms.

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Wooden Schooners of the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Towing Accidents, 19th Century Maritime Disasters.

Glossary Terms: Tow Barge, Yawl, Foundering, Lake Huron Storms, Great Lakes Maritime Tragedies.