SHIPWRECK REPORT: ALVIN A. TURNER

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: Alvin A. Turner

•Other Names: None

•Type: Steambarge, Tug

Build Information:

•Year Built: 1873

•Location: Trenton, Michigan

•Builder: A.A. Turner

Specifications:

•Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)

•Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 11.5 feet (3.5 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 309.87 tons

•Net Tonnage: 220.81 tons

Final Location: Little Detroit, North Channel, Lake Huron

•Date of Loss: October 18, 1905

•Coordinates: N45 58.800, W082 10.100

•Depth at Wreck Site: 30 feet (9 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Alvin A. Turner was a wooden-hulled steambarge, designed to transport lumber and grain across the Great Lakes. Its single-Deck construction and single mast were typical of steambarges built during this era, which were crucial to the booming lumber trade. The vessel was equipped to act as both a cargo carrier and a towing vessel, reflecting the dual-purpose design that characterized many working Great Lakes vessels of the late 19th century.

HISTORY

The Alvin A. Turner was constructed in 1873 by A.A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan, for D. Whitney, Junior & Company. It quickly became an integral part of the lumber trade, operating along routes between Saginaw, Michigan, and Ogdensburg, New York. Its powerful steeple compound engine enabled it to tow other vessels and handle substantial cargo loads, including lath and grain.

Over its operational life, the Alvin A. Turner changed ownership multiple times, passing through the hands of prominent industry figures such as Eugene Robinson, William Rankin, and George W. Wilson. By 1882, the vessel was owned by the A.A. Turner Transportation Company, led by President William Nesbitt.

Incidents and Repairs:

The Alvin A. Turner had its share of accidents and mishaps. In 1874, it collided with another vessel near Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario and sank temporarily. Despite such setbacks, it was salvaged, repaired, and continued operations, demonstrating its durability and importance to the industry.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On October 18, 1905, while carrying a cargo of lath, the Alvin A. Turner became stranded in foggy conditions in the Little Detroit Channel of the St. Mary’s River near Spanish Mills, Ontario, in Lake Huron. Strong currents and stormy weather exacerbated the situation, and the vessel ultimately burned and sank, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck of the Alvin A. Turner. However, the site is known to be in shallow waters, and both boaters and divers are advised to exercise caution when navigating the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner lies in the Little Detroit Channel, North Channel, Lake Huron, at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters). The wreck is accessible and has become known among divers and maritime historians. Its shallow depth and clear waters make it a popular site for exploration.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner sits upright in 30 feet of water, with scattered wreckage. The wooden structure has naturally deteriorated over time, but significant portions of the vessel, including parts of the steam boiler, remain intact. The wreck site is accessible to divers and snorkelers, offering an excellent opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database of historical Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documenting the history of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records of Great Lakes shipping.

•Bowling Green State University: Archival records of the Great Lakes Historical Collections.

KEYWORDS

Alvin A. Turner, Steambarge, Tug, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Lumber Trade, Maritime History

CONCLUSION

The Alvin A. Turner played a significant role in the lumber trade of the Great Lakes during its three decades of operation. Its final resting place in the North Channel of Lake Huron offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters. The wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a testament to the industrial heritage of the Great Lakes region. For divers and historians alike, the Alvin A. Turner represents a tangible connection to a bygone era of maritime commerce.