Identification & Site Information
- Name: W. J. Whaling
- Other Names: Also seen as W. W. J. Whaling and Whiting
- Official Registration Number: 26364
- Date Built and Launched: Built in 1857 by J. M. Jones, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Measurements: 136 ft (41.5 m) length x 24 ft (7.3 m) beam x 11 ft (3.4 m) depth; Gross Tonnage: 243 tons
- Date Lost: September 25, 1873
- Place of Loss: Near Grand Haven, Michigan
- Lake: Lake Michigan
Vessel Type
The W. J. Whaling was a wooden-hulled Schooner, a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century for transporting bulk cargo such as salt, lumber, and grain.
Description
Launched in 1857, the W. J. Whaling was a sizable Schooner designed to handle heavy cargoes efficiently. Schooners like the W. J. Whaling were the workhorses of Great Lakes commerce, valued for their ability to transport bulk goods economically. Her design, with a length of 136 feet and a Gross Tonnage of 243, made her a reliable vessel for hauling significant loads across the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
History
The W. J. Whaling spent her career transporting bulk commodities across Lake Michigan and the surrounding Great Lakes. On her final voyage in late September 1873, the Schooner was carrying a cargo of 3,000 barrels of salt, a critical commodity for food preservation and industrial use in the 19th century.
On September 25, 1873, while approaching Grand Haven, Michigan, the W. J. Whaling encountered a severe storm. The Schooner attempted to anchor offshore to ride out the gale, but her anchors failed to hold in the rough conditions. She dragged her anchors and was driven ashore by the force of the storm.
Initially, there was hope that the vessel could be salvaged, as it was common for grounded ships to be refloated with the aid of tugs or by lightening their cargo. However, the severity of the storm and the damage sustained by the vessel soon dashed those hopes. The W. J. Whaling was eventually declared a Total Loss.
Loss of Life
Tragically, one life was lost in the incident. The identity of the deceased and the specific circumstances of the fatality are not detailed in available sources, but such losses were common during shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, particularly when vessels were caught close to shore in heavy surf.
Final Disposition
The W. J. Whaling was driven ashore near Grand Haven, Michigan, and declared a Total Loss after failed salvage attempts. The wreck likely deteriorated over time, as was common with wooden vessels lost in shallow waters.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the W. J. Whaling have been issued.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The W. J. Whaling is a representative example of the many schooners that plied the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, transporting essential commodities like salt between ports. Her loss in 1873 near Grand Haven highlights the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could quickly overwhelm even experienced crews and well-built vessels. Despite initial hopes of salvage, the Schooner became another casualty of the region’s volatile weather and challenging maritime conditions.
Suggested Keywords: W. J. Whaling, Grand Haven shipwrecks, Lake Michigan schooners, Great Lakes salt transport, 19th-century maritime disasters.
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Wooden Schooners of the Great Lakes, 19th Century Maritime Disasters.
Glossary Terms: Schooner, Dragged Anchor, Grounding, Total Loss, Salt Transport.
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