IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The William Young was a barge designed primarily for the transportation of bulk cargoes such as coal, which was a common and critical commodity during the late 19th century. Barges like the William Young were often towed by steamers across the Great Lakes, making them essential to the region’s industrial supply chain. With a gross tonnage of 413 tons, the William Young was a significant vessel, capable of carrying substantial loads of coal or similar materials.
HISTORY #
In October 1891, the William Young was one of several barges being towed by the steamer Nashua through the Straits of Mackinac, a critical and often treacherous passage connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. During the voyage, the convoy encountered severe weather, leading to the loss of the William Young and two other barges, the Parsons and the Newsboy.
The William Young, loaded with a cargo of coal, foundered near Mackinac Island. Despite the perilous conditions, the captain and crew of the barge managed to escape, and no lives were lost in the incident. The barge, valued at $11,000, was owned by the Pawme Boat Company, which suffered a total loss as a result of the disaster.
The wreckage of the William Young was later discovered in the Straits of Mackinac, close to the modern-day Mackinac Bridge. The vessel was positively identified by its official number, 26230, which was still visible on the remains.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The William Young was declared a total loss after it foundered in the Straits of Mackinac. The exact circumstances of its sinking are tied to the harsh weather conditions typical of the Great Lakes during that time of year. The barge, along with its cargo of coal, remains on the lakebed, marking the location of its tragic end.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the William Young was identified near the Mackinac Bridge in the Straits of Mackinac. The date of the wreck’s discovery is not specified, but it was recognized by the visible official number on the wreckage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are documented for the wreck of the William Young, but given its location in a busy navigational area, the site would likely have been noted as a potential hazard to ensure the safety of vessels passing through the Straits of Mackinac.
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 potential 3D models or additional data.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Ships
- Becky Kegan Schott – Facebook Post
- Diving The Great Lakes – Facebook Post
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the William Young is one of many tragic incidents that occurred in the often perilous Straits of Mackinac, a key but dangerous route in the Great Lakes system. The loss of the barge, along with its cargo, reflects the significant risks faced by vessels navigating these waters, particularly during the stormy seasons. Despite the total loss of the William Young, the survival of her crew stands as a testament to their skill and resilience.
KEYWORDS #
- William Young barge shipwreck
- Straits of Mackinac maritime disaster
- Mackinac Island shipwrecks
- Great Lakes coal transport vessels
- 1891 vessel foundering
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION #
The William Young remains a part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Continued research and exploration of the wreck site could provide further insights into the vessel’s final moments and contribute to our understanding of the challenges faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
