IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: W.P. THEW
• U.S. Registry Number: 81024
• Type: Propeller (Steamship)
• Built: 1884
• Dimensions:
• Gross Tonnage: 206 tons
• Last Port of Registry: Not specified
• Final Voyage Date: June 22, 1909
• Final Disposition: Collided with the propeller WILLIAM LIVINGSTON near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron, resulting in a Total Loss.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The W.P. THEW was a steam-powered propeller vessel typical of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a Gross Tonnage of 206 tons, it was a modestly sized workhorse, essential for the freight and industrial needs of the Great Lakes region. Propeller-driven steamships like the W.P. THEW played a vital role in the economic growth of the area, facilitating the transport of goods and materials across these inland seas.

HISTORY

The W.P. THEW served for 25 years, navigating the Great Lakes and contributing to regional trade. On June 22, 1909, while traveling near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron, the vessel collided with the propeller WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. The collision caused irreparable damage, and the W.P. THEW was declared a Total Loss.

Fortunately, all 11 individuals aboard were rescued, and no lives were lost. The incident had legal repercussions, with Captain D.P. Crane of the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON suspended for 30 days due to his ship’s role in the collision. The event was widely reported, including an article in the Buffalo Evening News on August 27, 1909.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The W.P. THEW sank near Thunder Bay Island following the collision with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. While specifics about the wreck’s location and condition remain unclear, it is presumed to rest in the waters near the site of the incident.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Notices: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the W.P. THEW.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unspecified. It is unclear if the wreck has been officially located or surveyed.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The W.P. THEW likely rests in a scattered or deteriorated state due to the nature of the collision and the time elapsed since its sinking. Without confirmed coordinates or detailed survey information, the condition and accessibility of the wreck remain speculative.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Database
• Buffalo Evening News (August 27, 1909)
• NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The loss of the W.P. THEW underscores the risks inherent in Great Lakes navigation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The incident reflects both the challenges faced by mariners and the strict accountability imposed for safe navigation. The swift action of the authorities, including the suspension of Captain Crane, highlights the emphasis on responsibility and safety in maritime operations.

DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

The lack of specific details about the wreck’s location and condition makes diving opportunities for the W.P. THEW uncertain. Divers interested in exploring wrecks near Thunder Bay Island should consult local dive operators or historical societies for potential leads. Awareness of the site’s historical significance and potential hazards is essential when exploring this region.

TAGS

#Great Lakes Shipwreck #W.P. THEW #Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron #19th Century Maritime History #Propeller Steamship #Collision #Maritime Incident #WILLIAM LIVINGSTON

CONCLUSION

The story of the W.P. THEW is a testament to the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes in the age of steam. Serving faithfully for 25 years, the vessel met its end in a tragic collision with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON near Thunder Bay Island. While the incident resulted in the Total Loss of the ship, the successful rescue of all aboard prevented further tragedy. The legacy of the W.P. THEW endures as a reminder of the vigilance and resilience required to navigate these waters.

3D Model

William P. Thew by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab