Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Anna Belle Wilson (also known as Annabel Wilson)

• Official Number: 106475

• Type: Schooner-Barge

• Built: 1887 by W. Dulac in Mount Clemens, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 174 feet (53 meters)

• Width (Beam): 32.2 feet (9.8 meters)

• Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 491 tons

• Net Tonnage: 467 tons

• Last Known Location: Off Dunkirk, NY, Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description:

The Anna Belle Wilson was a Schooner-Barge, a durable and efficient cargo vessel designed for use on the Great Lakes. Such vessels were towed by steamers and used primarily to transport bulk goods like coal, lumber, and other essential commodities. The robust construction and significant capacity of the Anna Belle Wilson made it a valuable asset to the maritime economy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History:

Launch and Operations:

• 1887: Launched by W. Dulac in Mount Clemens, Michigan, for Charles Hebard & Son.

• Initially operated in the Lake Superior lumber trade, often towed by vessels like the Charles Hebard and J.H. Shrigley.

• 1901: Ownership transferred to Luther P. Graves, shifting operations to Buffalo, NY, focusing on coal transport.

• Over the years, the vessel changed ownership several times, eventually operating under Graves & Bigwood in Buffalo by 1911.

Final Voyage:

On July 12, 1913, the Anna Belle Wilson encountered a severe storm off Dunkirk, NY, while carrying a cargo of coal. The vessel became waterlogged and sank. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives in the incident.

Efforts to salvage the vessel and its cargo were undertaken, involving negotiations with dredging and wrecking companies. Despite these efforts, the recovery was unsuccessful, leaving the wreck a navigation hazard near Dunkirk harbor. The wreck was considered dangerous for vessels seeking shelter, and plans for its removal were proposed but never fully realized.

Final Disposition:

The Anna Belle Wilson sank during a storm on July 12, 1913, off Dunkirk, NY, in Lake Erie. It was deemed a Total Loss, with salvage efforts failing to recover either the vessel or its coal cargo.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck.

• Historical Notes: Shortly after the sinking, the wreck was identified as a hazard to navigation, particularly for ships entering Dunkirk harbor.

Located By & Date:

The wreck remains in its final resting place off Dunkirk, NY. The specific date of its discovery is not documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The wreck is presumed to be heavily deteriorated after over a century in Lake Erie’s waters. Accessibility for diving or research would require exploration efforts such as sonar mapping or ROV deployment to evaluate its current state.

Resources & Links:

1. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed archival records of shipwrecks, including the Anna Belle Wilson.

2. Bowling Green State University Archives: A repository of maritime history resources.

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

4. Alchem Incorporated: Studies on Erie-Huron and Western Erie shipwrecks.

Conclusion:

The story of the Anna Belle Wilson highlights the inherent risks of navigating the Great Lakes, especially during adverse weather. Its loss underscores the dangers faced by Schooner-barges and their crews, despite their vital role in supporting the region’s economy. The vessel’s remains continue to serve as a historical reminder of early maritime commerce and the importance of advancements in safety and recovery efforts. Today, the Anna Belle Wilson lies submerged off Dunkirk, NY, marking a chapter in the rich maritime history of Lake Erie.

Keywords:

• Anna Belle Wilson

• Annabel Wilson

• Schooner-Barge

• Lake Erie Shipwreck

• Dunkirk, NY

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Coal Transport

Glossary:

• Schooner-Barge: A cargo vessel towed by a Steamer, often used for bulk freight transport.

• Navigation Hazard: An underwater obstruction posing risks to vessels.

• Salvage Efforts: Operations to recover a sunken vessel or its cargo.