WILLIAM H STEVENS U81120

2 min read

Package Freighter
70ffw 19m
212ft Lengths
Port Burwell, Lake Erie
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The wreck of the WILLIAM H. STEVENS has been the subject of multiple discoveries and subsequent losses over the years. The remains of the vessel are said to have a six-foot rise at the bow and are completely opened up. Unfortunately, the exact coordinates of the wreck cannot be disclosed at this time. However, there are some starting points for those interested in searching for the wreck. It is reported to be located at approximately 42º19′ north, 80º40′ west, which is 23 ¾ miles off Port Burwell, 23 miles from the Long Point Cut Light, 30 ½ miles from the Presque Isle Light, and 35 miles southwest ¾ west of Long Point Light.

The WILLIAM H. STEVENS had a series of notable events in its history. On September 6, 1891, it ran aground between Point Au Pines and Cinder Point. On October 16, 1891, the vessel was fitted with double hoists for cargo handling. In December 1893, it came under the ownership of Crescent Transportation Co. and had its boiler repaired in April 1894. In February 1895, the vessel was leased to French’s Union Transit Line, and by 1899, it was owned by Union Transit Co. based in Buffalo, New York.

Tragically, on September 8, 1904, the WILLIAM H. STEVENS caught fire and sank near Port Burwell in Lake Erie. It was carrying a valuable cargo, including approximately 175 tons of copper worth $55,000. Salvage efforts were initiated, and in July 1908, it was reported that around 60 tons of copper had been recovered. The wreck was located 72 feet underwater off Port Burwell, Ontario, on the Buffalo course.

Over the years, there were several sightings and attempts to locate and salvage the wreck. In September 1902, a tug reported sighting the wreck about 25 miles west by north of Erie, with the bow approximately 25 feet out of the water. In July 1908, a wrecking expedition was conducted to recover the 800 tons of copper lost during the sinking. The wreck was successfully identified as the WILLIAM H. STEVENS in June 1910.

The WILLIAM H. STEVENS was built in July 1886 as a wooden package freight propeller. It had a gross tonnage of 1332 and a net tonnage of 1025. The dimensions of the vessel were 212.4 feet in length, 37.2 feet in width, and 13.7 feet in depth. The vessel met its unfortunate fate when it burned and sank off Clear Creek in Lake Erie on September 8, 1902.