Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: William Maxwell

•Vessel Type: Propeller

•Year Built: 1883

•U.S. Registry Number: 80963

•Gross Tonnage: 43 tons

•Final Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron

•Date of Loss: September 19, 1908

•Cause of Loss: Stranded

•Crew: 7 persons on board, all survived

•GPS Coordinates: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The William Maxwell was a small wooden-hulled propeller-driven vessel, part of a fleet of versatile craft employed for light cargo transport and towing tasks across the Great Lakes. At just 43 gross tons, the vessel was well-suited for maneuvering through the shallow, narrow waterways and harbors common in the region. Propeller vessels like the William Maxwell played critical yet often understated roles in supporting the economy by connecting smaller ports and carrying goods essential for local commerce.

History

Launched in 1883, the William Maxwell spent 25 years navigating the Great Lakes, performing short-haul transport and potentially towing operations. Its modest size and propeller-driven design made it a reliable choice for tasks that required precision and access to smaller, shallower ports.

On September 19, 1908, the vessel encountered difficulties while navigating near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. Known for its dangerous shoals and strong currents, the area has been the site of many maritime accidents. The William Maxwell stranded on the island, resulting in a complete loss of the vessel. Fortunately, all seven crew members survived the ordeal, escaping the wreck without injury.

The details surrounding the stranding remain sparse, but the loss of the William Maxwell underscores the challenges faced by mariners in navigating the unpredictable and often hazardous waters of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The William Maxwell was declared a Total Loss following the stranding. The vessel was Abandoned, with no records indicating significant salvage efforts. The wreck has not been conclusively located through modern surveys, but it is believed to rest near Thunder Bay Island.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the William Maxwell. However, Thunder Bay Island and its surrounding waters are recognized as historically hazardous for navigation, necessitating caution for mariners in the area.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the wreck has not been confirmed. Thunder Bay Island remains a general reference point for the site of the William Maxwell’s loss.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database: Repository for historical maritime wrecks.

•Great Lakes Maritime Database: Comprehensive records of vessels and shipwrecks.

•3D Shipwrecks: Potential exploration of 3D documentation for similar wrecks.

Conclusion

The wreck of the William Maxwell is a testament to the perils of navigating the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. While it was not a large or celebrated vessel, its stranding at Thunder Bay Island reflects the risks faced by even the most routine voyages. The survival of all crew members stands as a fortunate outcome amidst a region notorious for maritime tragedies. The story of the William Maxwellremains an enduring reminder of the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and the unpredictable nature of these inland seas.

Keywords

#WilliamMaxwell #GreatLakesShipwrecks #ThunderBayIsland #LakeHuronWrecks #GreatLakesPropellerVessels #1908MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckExploration #GreatLakesNavigation #ThunderBayWrecks