IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Water Witch was a remarkable example of mid-19th century Great Lakes propeller-driven vessels, known for both its speed and sturdy construction. Built in 1861 at Newport, Michigan, the Water Witch had a tonnage of approximately 500 tons and featured an innovative experimental cog-wheel engine with a walking-beam working athwartships. These design elements contributed to the vessel’s swift running capabilities, making it a vital part of the Chicago and Goderich route, which connected with the Grand Trunk Railway.
HISTORY #
The Water Witch was owned by E.B. Ward of Detroit and operated primarily on the busy shipping route between Chicago and Goderich, providing crucial connections for cargo and passengers across Lake Huron. The vessel quickly gained a reputation for its speed and reliability, becoming a preferred choice for transporting goods and people across the Great Lakes.
However, in October 1863, the Water Witch met a tragic fate during a severe gale while navigating Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. The storm was fierce, and it is believed that the vessel’s experimental machinery became disarranged, rendering the Water Witch unmanageable. Despite its sturdy construction, the vessel was no match for the powerful forces of the storm, and it ultimately foundered, leading to the loss of all hands on board.
The disaster left the fate of the crew uncertain. It is feared that all 20 crew members perished with the sinking ship. The propeller Meteor attempted to search for survivors, but their efforts were in vain, as no bodies or wreckage were found. The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Water Witch and the fate of its crew remained shrouded in mystery, contributing to the ship’s tragic legacy in maritime history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Water Witch foundered in October 1863 during a severe gale in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel is believed to have sunk bow first, which may explain why no bodies or significant wreckage were recovered. The exact location of the wreck remains elusive, making it difficult for historians and maritime archaeologists to pinpoint the final resting place of the vessel.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Water Witch has not been definitively located. Over the years, various attempts have been made to find the wreck, but the exact coordinates remain unknown. The vessel’s sinking is recorded as one of the significant maritime disasters of the Great Lakes, particularly due to the total loss of life involved.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Water Witch, as its exact location has not been determined. Mariners in the area should be aware of the historical significance of the site and exercise caution when navigating through Saginaw Bay, especially during adverse weather conditions.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the Water Witch in 1863 stands as a tragic chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The loss of all hands and the inability to recover the wreck or the bodies of the crew have left a lingering sense of loss and mystery surrounding the vessel. The Water Witch serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, and its story continues to resonate with historians and maritime enthusiasts alike.
KEYWORDS #
- Water Witch propeller
- Saginaw Bay shipwreck
- Lake Huron maritime history
- Great Lakes tragedy
- 19th-century shipwreck
- Foundered vessel
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The exact location of the Water Witch wreck remains unknown. Further exploration and research may provide clues to the final resting place of this historically significant vessel, but for now, it lies somewhere beneath the waters of Saginaw Bay, its secrets yet to be fully uncovered.
