Shotline Diving

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Annabell Wilson US 106475

Explore the wreck of the Annabell Wilson, a historic schooner barge lost in 1913, lying in 50 feet of water near Dunkirk Harbor, NY.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Annabell Wilson
  • Type: Schooner Barge
  • Year Built: 1887
  • Builder: William Dulac
  • Dimensions: Length: 174 ft (53.0 m); Width: 32 ft (9.8 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 15.2 m / 50 ft
  • Location: Near Dunkirk Harbor, NY
  • Official Number: US 106475
  • Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Schooner Barge

Description

The Annabell Wilson was a three-masted wooden schooner barge constructed in 1887 by William Dulac in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Designed for the Great Lakes, schooner barges like the Annabell Wilson were often towed by steamers, transporting bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain. This vessel played a significant role in the regional trade network during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

Throughout its operational life, the Annabell Wilson was involved in several notable incidents:

• July 12, 1913: While being towed from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Port Colborne, Ontario, with a cargo of 1,000 tons of coal, the Annabell Wilson encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. The crew attempted to seek refuge in Dunkirk Harbor, New York. However, before reaching safety, the schooner foundered approximately half a mile northwest of the harbor. Tragically, the captain and his wife perished in the sinking.

Significant Incidents

  • July 12, 1913: Foundered in a storm while being towed with coal cargo.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Annabell Wilson lies in 50 feet (15.2 metres) of water near Dunkirk Harbor. The site is broken and scattered, with the main section of the wreck containing dual centerboards, which are apparent from site imagery.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is known and has been documented by various sources, including Shipwreck World and 3DShipwrecks.org. The site is accessible to divers, lying in relatively shallow water. However, divers should exercise caution due to potential underwater hazards and are advised to adhere to preservation guidelines to protect the historical integrity of the site.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Annabell Wilson serves as a significant example of schooner barges that were essential to the commerce and navigation of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its wreck offers valuable insights into the construction and operation of such vessels, contributing to our understanding of maritime history in the region.

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