Identification & Site Information
- Name: William Wheeler
- Other Names: Also seen as William A. Wheeler
- Official Registration Number: 62873
- Date Built and Launched: Built in 1884, Ogdensburg, New York
- Measurements: 309 gross tons, 309 net tons
- Date Lost: August 29, 1893
- Place of Loss: 8 miles off Charlotte, New York (now part of Rochester, NY), Lake Ontario
Vessel Type
The William Wheeler was a wooden-hulled Schooner-Barge, a vessel type designed for bulk cargo transport while being towed by steam-powered tugs. Schooner-barges retained masts for auxiliary sail power but primarily relied on towlines, allowing for larger cargo loads without the crew size required for traditional schooners.
Description
Constructed in 1884 in Ogdensburg, New York, the William Wheeler was a typical example of a Schooner-Barge of the late 19th century. These vessels were often built from wood and used for hauling bulk commodities such as grain, coal, and other agricultural products across the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways. The William Wheeler operated primarily out of Ogdensburg, under the ownership of Geo. Hall & Co.
History
On August 29, 1893, the William Wheeler was loaded with barley and was part of a tow convoy organized by the Tug Proctor. The tow included two other Schooner-barges, the Hamilton J. Mills and the Jennie Matthews. This type of multi-Barge towing was common practice, allowing a single Tug to move several cargo-laden barges simultaneously, maximizing efficiency and profit.
While navigating Lake Ontario approximately 8 miles off Charlotte, New York (now part of Rochester), the convoy encountered a severe storm. The heavy seas and high winds caused the Towline arrangement to fail, and the convoy broke apart. The Tug Proctor frantically attempted to reassemble the convoy but struggled against the worsening weather conditions.
The Hamilton J. Mills was the first to succumb to the storm, sinking after the Towline snapped. After the Mills went down, the Proctor returned to the William Wheeler, which was now foundering in the turbulent waters. Recognizing the imminent danger, the crew of the Proctor managed to rescue the crew of the Wheeler just moments before the Schooner-Barge sank in 55 feet of water.
Loss of Life
No lives were lost in the sinking of the William Wheeler. The successful rescue of her crew, despite the challenging conditions, stands as a testament to the skill and quick actions of the crew aboard the Tug Proctor.
Final Disposition
The William Wheeler sank 8 miles off Charlotte, New York, and was declared a Total Loss. The wreck rests in 55 feet of water, but there are no records indicating that any significant salvage efforts were undertaken for the vessel or her cargo.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the William Wheeler have been issued, though the wreck remains submerged off the coast of Charlotte, New York.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The William Wheeler’s loss highlights the risks associated with towing large Schooner-barges across the Great Lakes during severe weather. The convoy system, while efficient, left barges vulnerable when storms struck, as evidenced by the simultaneous loss of both the Hamilton J. Mills and the William Wheeler. The successful rescue of the crew just before the vessel sank emphasizes the bravery and quick thinking of the mariners involved. The wreck serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by 19th-century Great Lakes sailors, especially in the volatile conditions of Lake Ontario.
Suggested Keywords: William Wheeler, Charlotte NY shipwrecks, Lake Ontario Schooner-barges, Great Lakes barley transport, Tug Proctor convoy, Hamilton J. Mills, Jennie Matthews.
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario, Wooden Schooner-Barges, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Great Lakes Towing Operations.
Glossary Terms: Schooner-Barge, Foundering, Towline Failure, Bulk Barley Transport, Tug and Tow Convoy.
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