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)
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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