ORION (Later known as WEESEE) C138574

2 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ORION (Later known as WEESEE)
Type: Wooden Steam Screw Propeller
Date of Incident: November 11, 1923
Location: Near Middle Sister Island, Lake Erie
Coordinates:
- Main Wreck Site: 41° 50.592′ N, 82° 59.567′ W
- Prop Shaft: 41° 50.609′ N, 82° 59.850′ W
Depth: 22 feet (7 meters)
Condition: Destroyed by fire; remains scattered on the lakebed, with notable features including the prop shaft

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The steam screw ORION was a wooden vessel, launched in October 1900 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Designed with a robust steel-arched and strapped hull, the vessel was built for strength and durability. It measured 282 feet overall, with a keel length of 270 feet, a beam of 42 1/4 feet, and a depth of 16 feet at the midship hatch. The ORION had a capacity of approximately 3,000 tons and was equipped with advanced machinery, including fore-and-aft compound engines and a boiler that provided 130 pounds of pressure. Initially built for the Green Bay Vessel Company, the ORION was later renamed WEESEE when it was sold to Canadian owners.

HISTORY #

The ORION was launched in 1900, built by Capt. P.F. Thrall and Mr. O.L. Harder for the Green Bay Vessel Company. The vessel was a significant addition to the fleet, known for its strength and capability in freight transportation. With a gross tonnage of 2,283 tons and a net tonnage of 1,590 tons, the ORION served on the Great Lakes for nearly two decades.

In 1918, the vessel was renamed WEESEE and continued to operate under this name after being sold to Canadian owners in 1920. Registered under the number C 138574, the WEESEE was operated by Border Transit Co. and owned by Massey & Gatfield. The vessel was slightly modified, measuring 265.5 feet in length, with a beam of 42 feet and a depth of 22.7 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 1,829 tons and a net tonnage of 1,062 tons.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

On November 11, 1923, the WEESEE met a tragic end due to a devastating fire while on Lake Erie. The fire consumed the vessel, leading to its destruction and the end of its service. The wreck lies scattered near Middle Sister Island, with the prop shaft being one of the notable remnants located on the lakebed. The exact circumstances leading to the fire are not detailed, but the incident marked the final chapter in the vessel’s maritime journey.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are specifically related to this wreck site, though the area is known for wreckage and should be navigated with caution.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck was identified after the incident in November 1923. The site is known to divers and maritime historians, with the prop shaft’s coordinates being a key feature of the wreckage.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the WEESEE lies in 22 feet of water near Middle Sister Island. The remains are scattered and partially buried on the lakebed, with some features, like the prop shaft, being notable markers. The shallow depth makes the site accessible to divers, though the condition of the wreck may limit its appeal as a diving site. The fire’s destruction means that much of the vessel may be unrecognizable.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, vessel registration data, and maritime incident reports.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the WEESEE (formerly ORION) on November 11, 1923, following a devastating fire, is a reminder of the hazards faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. The wreck, lying near Middle Sister Island, represents the final resting place of a once powerful and capable steam screw vessel. The scattered remains of the WEESEE serve as a historical site, reflecting both the technological advancements of its time and the perils of maritime travel.