IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The H.J. Webb was a large wooden schooner built in 1869, primarily designed for transporting cargo such as grain and coal across the Great Lakes. With its three masts, the vessel was well-suited for the heavy cargoes it carried throughout its operational life. The schooner was robustly constructed to endure the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping, a testament to the craftsmanship of I.W. Nichols, its builder.
HISTORY: The H.J. Webb began its service in 1869 under the ownership of P. Minch and other partners from Vermilion, Ohio. The vessel became an integral part of the grain and coal trade, operating frequently between various Great Lakes ports. Over the years, the schooner underwent several significant repairs, including a major overhaul in 1878 and additional repairs in 1884.
Throughout the 1880s, the H.J. Webb was often seen in tow by the steamers such as the A. EVERETT, as it plied the waters of Lake Huron and beyond, transporting grain and coal to ports as far as Duluth, Minnesota.
Ownership of the schooner changed hands multiple times, with Thomas F. Madden acquiring it in 1888, and John Madden taking over in 1892. Despite these changes, the vessel continued to serve as a reliable workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry.
However, the vessel’s luck began to wane in the 1890s. On September 18, 1893, the H.J. Webb became waterlogged while sailing on Lake Huron, an incident that foreshadowed its eventual demise.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The H.J. Webb met its tragic end between November 10-13, 1901. While being towed by the propeller PORTER CHAMBERLAIN through the North Channel of Lake Huron, the schooner broke loose during a severe storm. The vessel grounded on Darch Island, and both the H.J. Webb and the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN were consumed by fire, resulting in the total loss of the schooner and its cargo of lumber.
The wreck of the H.J. Webb now lies in 30 feet of water near Darch Island, serving as a silent reminder of the challenges faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the H.J. Webb. Divers should exercise caution when exploring the site due to potential hazards associated with submerged wreckage.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the H.J. Webb is located near Darch Island in the North Channel of Lake Huron. The site has been identified and marked by divers, and it is accessible for exploration.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The remains of the H.J. Webb rest at a depth of 30 feet, making it accessible to divers of varying experience levels. The wreckage, while damaged and partially burned, still provides an interesting dive site, with visible structural elements such as the hull and masts. The relatively shallow depth and historical significance make this a popular destination for diving enthusiasts interested in Great Lakes maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
KEYWORDS: H.J. Webb, Schooner, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Maritime History, Darch Island
CONCLUSION: The H.J. Webb represents a significant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, embodying the resilience and determination of those who navigated these challenging waters. Although its journey ended in tragedy, the wreck of the H.J. Webb continues to capture the imagination of divers and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the life of a schooner that once sailed the vast expanses of the Great Lakes.
