IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The William Maxwell was a small, wooden-hulled propeller vessel constructed in 1883. With a gross tonnage of just 43 tons, it was relatively modest in size, designed for specific tasks that did not require the larger capacities of the bulk freighters more commonly seen on the Great Lakes. Propeller vessels like the William Maxwell were integral to the economy, often used for towing, light cargo transport, and other essential but less glamorous roles in maritime commerce.
HISTORY #
The William Maxwell was a propeller-driven vessel launched in 1883, operating mainly on the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 43 tons, it was a smaller vessel, likely used for short-haul cargo transport or towing duties. Its small size made it suitable for navigating the often shallow and narrow passages found in the Great Lakes region.
On September 19, 1908, while navigating near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, the William Maxwell encountered trouble. The exact circumstances leading up to the incident are not well documented, but the vessel ultimately stranded on the island, resulting in a total loss. Fortunately, all seven persons on board managed to escape unharmed, and no lives were lost. The incident was reported in the fiscal year of 1909.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The William Maxwell was declared a total loss following its stranding at Thunder Bay Island. The vessel was abandoned, and there are no records indicating that any significant salvage operations were undertaken.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The precise location of the wreck has not been confirmed through modern surveys. It is known to have stranded at Thunder Bay Island, a well-known navigation hazard in Lake Huron.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the William Maxwell documented in the available records. However, given the location near Thunder Bay Island, the site may have been noted as a navigational hazard shortly after the incident.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database: NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Check 3D Shipwrecks for any potential 3D models or additional data.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Ships
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the William Maxwell highlights the dangers faced by vessels navigating the treacherous waters around Thunder Bay Island. Despite its small size and the relatively uneventful nature of its career, the William Maxwell‘s wreck serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks inherent in Great Lakes navigation, particularly during the early 20th century.
KEYWORDS #
- William Maxwell shipwreck
- Thunder Bay Island maritime disaster
- Lake Huron shipwrecks
- Great Lakes propeller vessels
- 1908 vessel stranding
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION #
Further research and site exploration could potentially provide more details about the wreck of the William Maxwell. Continual monitoring of available resources and updates from new surveys or findings is essential to enhance our understanding of this and similar shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region
