Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Belle Wilson
- Type: Steambarge
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Off Harrisville, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Belle Wilson was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes such as coal, lumber, and grain.
Description
Built in 1881, specific details regarding the dimensions and tonnage of the Belle Wilson are not readily available. As a steambarge, she would have been equipped with steam propulsion and designed for the efficient transport of bulk goods across the Great Lakes.
History
On August 8, 1888, the Belle Wilson was navigating Lake Huron when she encountered a gale. The vessel sprang a leak and foundered several hours later. The crew, consisting of Captain Collier, seven men, and a female cook, abandoned the ship in boats and were subsequently rescued by the steamer M.M. No casualties were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during periods of severe weather. (RootsWeb Freepages)
Significant Incidents
- August 8, 1888: The Belle Wilson foundered in Lake Huron after springing a leak during a gale.
Final Disposition
The Belle Wilson was declared a total loss following the incident. There is no available information regarding salvage operations or the current state of the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Belle Wilson has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”belle-wilson-1881″ title=”References & Links”]
Both the Belle Walbridge and the Belle Wilson met their ends due to severe weather conditions on the Great Lakes, a common hazard for vessels during the 19th century. The Belle Walbridge was lost after colliding with a pier during a gale in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while the Belle Wilson foundered off Harrisville, Michigan, after springing a leak in a storm. In both cases, the crews survived, highlighting the resilience and quick action of mariners during that era. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
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
- Name: Belle Wilson
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: Not available
- Date Built & Launched: 1881
- Builder: Not specified
- Construction: Wooden-hulled steambarge
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Tonnage: Not specified
- Date Lost: August 8, 1888
- Location of Loss: Off Harrisville, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal
- Cause of Loss: Sprang a leak during a gale and foundered several hours later
- Crew: All survived; crew abandoned ship in boats and were rescued by the steamer M.M.
- Final Disposition: Total loss
- Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
- Sources: Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, RootsWeb Article(Flickr, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Forgotten Books, Midland Daily News, RootsWeb Freepages)
Vessel Type
The Belle Wilson was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes such as coal, lumber, and grain.
Description
Built in 1881, specific details regarding the dimensions and tonnage of the Belle Wilson are not readily available. As a steambarge, she would have been equipped with steam propulsion and designed for the efficient transport of bulk goods across the Great Lakes.
History
On August 8, 1888, the Belle Wilson was navigating Lake Huron when she encountered a gale. The vessel sprang a leak and foundered several hours later. The crew, consisting of Captain Collier, seven men, and a female cook, abandoned the ship in boats and were subsequently rescued by the steamer M.M. No casualties were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during periods of severe weather.(RootsWeb Freepages)
Final Disposition
The Belle Wilson was declared a total loss following the incident. There is no available information regarding salvage operations or the current state of the wreck.
Located By & Date Found
There is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Belle Wilson has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Belle Wilson. Mariners operating in the vicinity of Harrisville, Michigan, should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – Belle Wilson
- RootsWeb Article – The Wreck of the Belle Wilson(RootsWeb Freepages)
Conclusion
Both the Belle Walbridge and the Belle Wilson met their ends due to severe weather conditions on the Great Lakes, a common hazard for vessels during the 19th century. The Belle Walbridge was lost after colliding with a pier during a gale in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while the Belle Wilson foundered off Harrisville, Michigan, after springing a leak in a storm. In both cases, the crews survived, highlighting the resilience and quick action of mariners during that era.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Belle Walbridge, Belle Wilson, schooner, steambarge, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, shipwreck, 19th-century maritime history(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Vessels, Maritime Disasters
Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used extensively on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.
- Steambarge: A steam-powered barge used primarily for transporting bulk cargoes on inland waterways.
- Foundered: A term indicating that a vessel has filled with water and sunk.
- Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel is damaged beyond repair or recovery.
If you require further information or have additional inquiries about Great Lakes shipwrecks, feel free to ask!
belle-wilson-1881 1888-08-08 13:18:00