Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alvin A. Turner
- Type: Steambarge, Tug
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: A.A. Turner
- Dimensions: Length 135 ft (41.1 m); Beam 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold 11.5 ft (3.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 309.87 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 9 m / 30 ft
- Location: Little Detroit, North Channel, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: N45 58.800, W082 10.100
- Official Number: US 105227
- Original Owners: D. Whitney, Junior & Company; A.A. Turner Transportation Company; Eugene Robinson; William Rankin; George W. Wilson
- Number of Masts: Single mast
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Alvin A. Turner was a wooden-hulled steambarge, designed to transport lumber and grain across the Great Lakes. Its single-deck construction and single mast were typical of steambarges built during this era, which were crucial to the booming lumber trade. The vessel was equipped to act as both a cargo carrier and a towing vessel, reflecting the dual-purpose design that characterized many working Great Lakes vessels of the late 19th century.
Description
The Alvin A. Turner was constructed in 1873 by A.A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan, for D. Whitney, Junior & Company. It quickly became an integral part of the lumber trade, operating along routes between Saginaw, Michigan, and Ogdensburg, New York. Its powerful steeple compound engine enabled it to tow other vessels and handle substantial cargo loads, including lath and grain.
Over its operational life, the Alvin A. Turner changed ownership multiple times, passing through the hands of prominent industry figures such as Eugene Robinson, William Rankin, and George W. Wilson. By 1882, the vessel was owned by the A.A. Turner Transportation Company, led by President William Nesbitt.
History
The Alvin A. Turner had its share of accidents and mishaps. In 1874, it collided with another vessel near Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario and sank temporarily. Despite such setbacks, it was salvaged, repaired, and continued operations, demonstrating its durability and importance to the industry.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- 1874: Collided with another vessel near Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario and sank temporarily.
Final Disposition
On October 18, 1905, while carrying a cargo of lath, the Alvin A. Turner became stranded in foggy conditions in the Little Detroit Channel of the St. Mary’s River near Spanish Mills, Ontario, in Lake Huron. Strong currents and stormy weather exacerbated the situation, and the vessel ultimately burned and sank, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner sits upright in 30 feet of water, with scattered wreckage. The wooden structure has naturally deteriorated over time, but significant portions of the vessel, including parts of the steam boiler, remain intact. The wreck site is accessible to divers and snorkelers, offering an excellent opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alvin-a-turner-us-105227″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Alvin A. Turner played a significant role in the lumber trade of the Great Lakes during its three decades of operation. Its final resting place in the North Channel of Lake Huron offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters. The wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a testament to the industrial heritage of the Great Lakes region. For divers and historians alike, the Alvin A. Turner represents a tangible connection to a bygone era of maritime commerce.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Wreck Name: Alvin A. Turner
- Other Names: None
- Type: Steambarge, Tug
- Build Information:
- Year Built: 1873
- Location: Trenton, Michigan
- Builder: A.A. Turner
- Specifications:
- Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)
- Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
- Depth: 11.5 feet (3.5 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 309.87 tons
- Net Tonnage: 220.81 tons
- Final Location: Little Detroit, North Channel, Lake Huron
- Date of Loss: October 18, 1905
- Coordinates: N45 58.800, W082 10.100
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 feet (9 meters)
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Alvin A. Turner was a wooden-hulled steambarge, designed to transport lumber and grain across the Great Lakes. Its single-deck construction and single mast were typical of steambarges built during this era, which were crucial to the booming lumber trade. The vessel was equipped to act as both a cargo carrier and a towing vessel, reflecting the dual-purpose design that characterized many working Great Lakes vessels of the late 19th century.
HISTORY
The Alvin A. Turner was constructed in 1873 by A.A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan, for D. Whitney, Junior & Company. It quickly became an integral part of the lumber trade, operating along routes between Saginaw, Michigan, and Ogdensburg, New York. Its powerful steeple compound engine enabled it to tow other vessels and handle substantial cargo loads, including lath and grain.
Over its operational life, the Alvin A. Turner changed ownership multiple times, passing through the hands of prominent industry figures such as Eugene Robinson, William Rankin, and George W. Wilson. By 1882, the vessel was owned by the A.A. Turner Transportation Company, led by President William Nesbitt.
Incidents and Repairs:
The Alvin A. Turner had its share of accidents and mishaps. In 1874, it collided with another vessel near Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario and sank temporarily. Despite such setbacks, it was salvaged, repaired, and continued operations, demonstrating its durability and importance to the industry.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On October 18, 1905, while carrying a cargo of lath, the Alvin A. Turner became stranded in foggy conditions in the Little Detroit Channel of the St. Mary’s River near Spanish Mills, Ontario, in Lake Huron. Strong currents and stormy weather exacerbated the situation, and the vessel ultimately burned and sank, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck of the Alvin A. Turner. However, the site is known to be in shallow waters, and both boaters and divers are advised to exercise caution when navigating the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner lies in the Little Detroit Channel, North Channel, Lake Huron, at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters). The wreck is accessible and has become known among divers and maritime historians. Its shallow depth and clear waters make it a popular site for exploration.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner sits upright in 30 feet of water, with scattered wreckage. The wooden structure has naturally deteriorated over time, but significant portions of the vessel, including parts of the steam boiler, remain intact. The wreck site is accessible to divers and snorkelers, offering an excellent opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database of historical Great Lakes vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documenting the history of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records of Great Lakes shipping.
- Bowling Green State University: Archival records of the Great Lakes Historical Collections.
KEYWORDS
Alvin A. Turner, Steambarge, Tug, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Lumber Trade, Maritime History
CONCLUSION
The Alvin A. Turner played a significant role in the lumber trade of the Great Lakes during its three decades of operation. Its final resting place in the North Channel of Lake Huron offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters. The wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a testament to the industrial heritage of the Great Lakes region. For divers and historians alike, the Alvin A. Turner represents a tangible connection to a bygone era of maritime commerce.
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