Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Col. A.B. Williams

Explore the wreck of the Col. A.B. Williams, a 19th-century schooner that met a tragic fate in Lake Huron. A dive site rich in maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Col. A.B. Williams
  • Type: Wooden schooner, 2-masted
  • Year Built: 1856
  • Builder: D. Rogers, Big Sodus, New York
  • Dimensions: Length: 110 ft (33.5 m); Beam: 24 ft (7.3 m); Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 342 tons (old style measurement); 242 tons (Morley & Brothers)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 26 m / 85 ft
  • Location: Approximately 3 miles off Port Sanilac, Michigan
  • Original Owners: Granger, Bates, and Morley; later Morley & Brothers
  • Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Col. A.B. Williams was a two-masted wooden schooner, designed for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Built in 1856, she was a testament to the craftsmanship of her era.

Description

Over her eight years of service, the Col. A.B. Williams played a crucial role in transporting coal and other cargo across the Great Lakes. Her sturdy construction allowed her to navigate the often treacherous waters of Lake Huron.

History

Originally enrolled in Oswego, New York, the schooner was owned by Granger, Bates, and Morley, merchants from Big Sodus. By 1863, she was registered under Morley & Brothers of Sodus, New York. Under the command of Captain Granger and Captain Morley, she was integral to the regional trade.

Significant Incidents

  • June 5, 1864: The Col. A.B. Williams collided with the bark Twilight approximately 3 miles off Port Sanilac, Michigan, resulting in her sinking.
  • No casualties were reported; the crew was rescued by a small boat from the Twilight.

Final Disposition

After the collision, personal items belonging to the crew were retrieved by the tugboat Prindiville. The wreck now lies at a depth of 85 feet (26 meters) in Lake Huron.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Col. A.B. Williams is submerged and not visible from the surface. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

The story of the Col. A.B. Williams serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by sailors in the 19th century. Her legacy continues to be a part of Great Lakes maritime history, highlighting both the resilience and vulnerability of vessels navigating these waters.