IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
STEAMER DESCRIPTION #
The W.L. Wetmore was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter, built in 1871 by the Cuyahoga Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel was powered by a high-pressure, single-cylinder engine with a size of 28 x 36 inches, producing 450 horsepower. Measuring 215.4 feet in length, with a beam of 33.4 feet and a depth of 14.2 feet, the W.L. Wetmore was designed for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes and primarily served as a consort to the barge Brunette, navigating various trade routes.
HISTORY #
The W.L. Wetmore began its life as a robust freighter, owned by George W. Bissell of Detroit, Michigan. It played a significant role in transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Over its operational years, the vessel experienced multiple incidents and ownership changes, reflecting the perils and the dynamic nature of maritime trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 1890, the W.L. Wetmore was declared a total loss after a devastating fire on Lake Erie, but it was later rebuilt in 1891, converting it to a single-deck vessel with a new boiler. The ship encountered numerous challenges, including collisions, groundings, and mechanical failures. These incidents, combined with the vessel’s age, contributed to its eventual demise.
On November 29, 1901, during a fierce storm, the W.L. Wetmore ran aground near Rabbit Island in Georgian Bay. The vessel, loaded with lumber and towing the barges J.C. King and Brunette, was unable to withstand the relentless pounding of the waves. The W.L. Wetmore and its consorts were destroyed, marking the end of the ship’s long service on the Great Lakes. The ship’s documents were officially surrendered in Buffalo on January 25, 1902, closing the final chapter of the W.L. Wetmore’s history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the W.L. Wetmore now lies scattered on the bottom near Rabbit Island, a testament to the vessel’s storied past and the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. The site is a popular dive location, offering a glimpse into the history of Great Lakes shipping and the challenges faced by mariners during that era. The remains of the W.L. Wetmore, along with those of the barges it once towed, can be explored by divers, who can see the skeletal remains of the once-proud vessel.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the W.L. Wetmore has been a well-known site for divers and historians, particularly within the context of shipwrecks in the Georgian Bay area. While the specific date of discovery is not documented, it has been a recognized dive site for many years.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Safety Considerations: The depth of the wreck varies from 25 to 90 feet, making it accessible to divers with varying levels of experience. However, caution is advised due to potential entanglement hazards and the general condition of the wreck. Diving should be conducted with respect for the site, ensuring that no damage is caused to the wreckage or the surrounding marine environment.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- 3D Model by Andrew Goodman: W.L. Wetmore on Sketchfab
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
CONCLUSION #
The W.L. Wetmore represents an era of Great Lakes shipping fraught with challenges and dangers. Despite its eventual destruction, the vessel’s legacy endures through the stories of its voyages, the incidents it endured, and its final resting place beneath the waters of Georgian Bay. The wreck site offers divers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and explore the remnants of a once-formidable freighter that played a vital role in the region’s maritime history.
KEYWORDS #
W.L. Wetmore, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Bulk Freighter, Great Lakes Shipping, Maritime History, Diving, Tobermory, Rabbit Island