1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The W.P. THEW was a steam-powered propeller vessel built in 1884, designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 206 tons, it was a modestly sized vessel, typical of the workhorses that plied the waters of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Propeller-driven steamships like the W.P. THEW were crucial to the industrial and commercial growth of the region.
3. HISTORY #
The W.P. THEW served for 25 years on the Great Lakes before meeting its tragic end in 1909. On June 22, 1909, while navigating near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, the W.P. THEW collided with another propeller vessel, the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. The collision resulted in the W.P. THEW becoming a total loss. Fortunately, all 11 persons on board were rescued, and no lives were lost in the incident.
This collision had significant repercussions. Captain D.P. Crane of the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, whose ship was responsible for sinking the THEW, was suspended for 30 days by local inspectors. The incident was widely reported, including in the Buffalo Evening News on August 27, 1909.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The W.P. THEW was lost on June 22, 1909, after colliding with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. The vessel was declared a total loss, and while the specifics of the wreck’s location and condition are not detailed, it is presumed to have sunk in the waters near the collision site.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the W.P. THEW.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The precise location of the W.P. THEW’s wreck has not been specified, and it is unclear if the wreck has been officially located or surveyed.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the W.P. THEW was lost following a collision, the wreck may be in a scattered or deteriorated state. Without specific coordinates or survey data, the accessibility of the wreck remains uncertain. Divers interested in exploring wrecks near Thunder Bay Island should consult local resources or dive guides for more detailed information.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Database
- Buffalo Evening News – August 27, 1909
- NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The incident involving the W.P. THEW and the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in Great Lakes navigation. The collision near Thunder Bay Island resulted in the loss of the W.P. THEW, a vessel that had faithfully served the region for over two decades. The suspension of Captain D.P. Crane underscores the seriousness of the incident and the accountability expected of those responsible for safe navigation.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Without specific details regarding the location and condition of the wreck, diving opportunities related to the W.P. THEW remain speculative. Divers interested in exploring wrecks in the Thunder Bay Island area should be aware of the historical significance of the site and approach with caution. Consulting local dive operators or historical societies may provide further insight into potential diving opportunities.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- W.P. THEW
- Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Propeller Steamship
- Collision
- Maritime Incident
- WILLIAM LIVINGSTON
CONCLUSION #
The W.P. THEW’s story is one of both tragedy and resilience. Built in 1884, the vessel served the Great Lakes region for 25 years before its untimely loss in 1909 due to a collision with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. The incident highlights the ever-present risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where even seasoned vessels could meet their end in unforeseen circumstances. The legacy of the W.P. THEW lives on in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a reminder of the perils of navigation and the importance of vigilance on these inland seas.
