IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The ANNA BELLE WILSON was a typical schooner-barge of the late 19th century, constructed primarily for transporting large quantities of cargo such as coal and lumber. The vessel was designed for durability and efficiency, capable of being towed by larger steamers, which was common for this type of vessel. Its robust wooden construction and significant cargo capacity made it an essential component of the Great Lakes maritime trade.
HISTORY: #
The ANNA BELLE WILSON was launched in 1887 and initially operated under the ownership of Charles Hebard & Son, with its home port in Pequaming, MI. The barge was frequently towed by the CHARLES HEBARD and J.H. SHRIGLEY, serving the Lake Superior lumber trade. In 1901, ownership passed to Luther P. Graves, and the vessel’s operations shifted to Buffalo, NY, focusing on coal transport. Over the years, the vessel changed hands multiple times, reflecting the shifting economic and trade conditions of the era. By 1911, it was owned by Graves & Bigwood in Buffalo.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On July 12, 1913, the ANNA BELLE WILSON met its tragic end in a storm off Dunkirk, NY, in Lake Erie. The vessel became waterlogged and sank, resulting in the loss of two lives. Efforts to recover the vessel and its cargo of coal, involving negotiations with a dredging company and the Reid Wrecking Co., were ultimately unsuccessful. The wreck was considered a navigation hazard, particularly for vessels seeking shelter in the harbor, and there were plans for its removal in the spring following the incident. However, the vessel remained submerged, and the government was expected to take action to address the hazard.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the ANNA BELLE WILSON. Historical accounts highlight the wreck’s significance as a hazard soon after its sinking.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not documented. The wreck remains off Dunkirk, NY, where it has posed a navigation risk since 1913.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck is presumed to be in a deteriorated state after more than a century underwater. The condition of the wreck and its accessibility for diving or research would require further investigation, including possible sonar mapping or exploratory dives.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University Archives
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships 3D Model Collection
- Alchem Incorporated: Erie-Huron Shipwrecks
- Alchem Incorporated: Western Erie Shipwrecks
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #ANNA_BELLE_WILSON
- #LakeErie
- #SchoonerBarge
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
- #MaritimeSafety
Conclusion: #
The story of the ANNA BELLE WILSON is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Despite efforts to recover and salvage the vessel, its remains continue to lie submerged off Dunkirk, NY, serving as a historical marker and a navigation hazard. The legacy of the ANNA BELLE WILSON highlights the importance of maritime safety and the enduring impact of these tragedies on the shipping industry.
