George Dunbar U10890

The wreck of the steamer George Dunbar, which sank on the morning of June 29, has been located by William T. Blunt, the United States Assistant Engineer. He was directed to search for the wreck on the steamer VISITOR by Major Dan C. Kingman of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The initial location provided by the owners was incorrect, resulting in an unsuccessful search. However, reliable information from Captain S.O. Robinson of the C & T steamer STATE OF NEW YORK led to the accurate discovery of the wreck.

The vessel rests on an even keel, facing east-southeast, in 44 feet of water. It is situated 5.5 miles east by half a mile south from Middle Island lighthouse and directly east from the Middle Island passage. Its position is nearly aligned with the range of Nun buoy on the northeast corner of Kelleys Island Reef and the extreme northeast point of Kelleys Island. It is north by a quarter west from Huron lighthouse and northeast by north three-quarters north from the red gas buoy at the entrance to Sandusky Harbor, marking the course to North East Shoal lightship. The wreck lies only 2 miles north of the sailing course between Cleveland and Middle Island passage. Therefore, it poses a navigation hazard in foggy conditions for vessels passing between Sandusky and South East Shoal Lightship or between Cleveland and Middle Island passage.

The wreck’s location can be plotted on the chart approximately 4,300 feet north of parallel 41 degrees, 40 minutes, and 4,000 feet east of meridian 82 degrees, 35 minutes. As of July 18, the foremast remained standing, bearing an association flag, and the wreckage of the pilot house floated, still attached to the wreck. A floating buoy carrying a large red flag was placed approximately 300 feet south of the wreck, anticipating the possibility of the spar being carried away. Due to the proximity of the vessel to the international boundary, it is uncertain whether it lies within United States or Canadian waters.

Moving on to the history of the GEORGE DUNBAR, it was launched in Allegan in May 1867, initially serving in the lumber trade between Chicago, Illinois, and Muskegon, Michigan. The vessel was later refitted as a wrecker and chartered to assist the ANNIE VOUGH when it ran aground on Spectacle Reef. Over the years, the GEORGE DUNBAR encountered collisions, underwent repairs, and went through various ownership changes.

By 1887, it was converted into a tow barge and underwent further changes, eventually being rebuilt as a propeller with one deck and one mast. It was owned by different individuals and companies, including Henry L. Simonds, H. Simonds & Simeon Cobb, W. E. Hudson, and M. L. Edwards. By December 18, 1901, it was owned by C. H. Prescott of Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel underwent repairs and was later owned by the Saginaw Bay Transportation Company of Mentor, Ohio, as of March 31, 1902.

According to the records, the GEORGE DUNBAR had a gross tonnage of 238.25 tons and a net tonnage of 190.82 tons. These details are sourced from the Merchant Vessel List, U.S., in 1902.