Site Description #
- Schooner
- 162ft 52m Lenghts
- 15ffw 3m Depths
- Middle Island, Lake Huron
- N45° 03.287′ W83° 25.603
The Sinking of the Barkentine Bissell, Harvey (1866) in Lake Huron #
The Bissell, Harvey was a barkentine built in 1866 in Toledo, Ohio. Throughout its history, it encountered several mishaps and underwent ownership changes. Unfortunately, in 1905, it met its final demise during a violent storm in Lake Huron. This article provides a detailed account of the vessel’s construction, ownership, significant events, and its ultimate sinking.
The Barkentine Bissell, Harvey was built in Toledo, Ohio, in the year 1866. Constructed with wood, it featured a single deck and had three masts. The vessel measured 162.4 feet in length, 33.6 feet in beam, and had a depth of 12.4 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 496.86 tons and a net tonnage of 472 tons. The original owners were Harvey Bissell and Lyman Miner, based in Toledo, Ohio.
After its launch on May 28, 1866, the Bissell, Harvey encountered various incidents throughout its years of service. In November 1870, the vessel foundered and was beached by the tugboat KATE MOFFAT. It was subsequently drydocked for repairs in Detroit. On May 13, 1873, the ownership of the vessel was transferred to J. H. Bissell, acting as an executor for the deceased Harvey Bissell.
Over the years, the ownership of the Bissell, Harvey changed hands multiple times. In 1874, it was owned by the Bissell Estate in Toledo. In May 1879, ownership transferred to John Kilderhouse and Charles Hamilton from Buffalo, New York. S. A. Murphy of the Detroit Towing & Wrecking Company owned the vessel as of May 1881. Later, on April 14, 1886, John Kelderhouse of Buffalo, New York, became the owner. Finally, on April 9, 1887, the ownership shifted to Ben Boutell and others from Bay City, Michigan. On February 25, 1888, Henry E. Pierce from West Bay City assumed ownership.
The Bissell, Harvey met its tragic end on November 28, 1905. During a 48-hour gale in Lake Huron, the vessel was caught in the storm near Thunder Bay Island and Presque Isle. It was being towed by the steamer McGregor when a sudden and violent gale hit, causing the vessel to be driven ashore near Bell, Michigan (also known as False Presque Isle Harbor).
Although the crew was safely rescued by the tugboat John Owen, the Bissell, Harvey sustained damage to its bottom. Despite initial belief that the vessel was not significantly harmed, it was towed to Alpena, Michigan, the next day and anchored near the Minor Lumber dock. However, during the night of November 27, another storm arose, causing the vessel to pound heavily on the lake bottom. The aged hull could not withstand the force, resulting in its complete shattering and destruction.
The sinking of the Bissell, Harvey marked the end of a vessel with a long and eventful history. From its construction in 1866 to its final moments in 1905, the barkentine encountered numerous incidents, changes in ownership, and repairs. Ultimately, it succumbed to the forces of a powerful storm in Lake Huron, leaving behind a legacy of maritime adventures and unfortunate demise in the annals of Great Lakes shipping history.
The Dive #
The wreck of the Harvey Bissell rests in Lake Huron, approximately 1,000 feet from the shoreline, near Middle Island. Situated in shallow waters, the wreck lies at a depth of only 15 feet, making it accessible to divers of varying skill levels. Despite the passage of time and the force of wind and waves, the wreckage remains partially intact.
The proximity of the wreck to the shoreline and the relatively shallow depth make it accessible to a wide range of maritime enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned diver or an adventurous kayaker, the Harvey Bissell wreck promises an immersive experience into Great Lakes maritime history.
