Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George F. Williams
- Type: Bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 280 ft × 41.4 ft; draft 21.3 ft; 1,888 GRT
- Registered Tonnage: 1,888 GRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4.57 m / 15 ft
- Location: Off Whiting, Indiana
- Official Number: U.S. 86060
- Original Owners: American owners
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Bulk freighter
Description
The George F. Williams served from her launch in 1889, often hauling industrial freight to Midwestern ports. She was abandoned by operators in Chicago in 1913 (enrollment surrendered March 25, 1913). On April 21, 1915, she was towed offshore near Hammond, Indiana (or Whiting), and scuttled in shallow water—her hull settling in approximately 15 ft of water. The vessel rests intact but stripped, with gears and mast structures visible under current water conditions.
History
The George F. Williams was built on July 24, 1889, and primarily used for transporting commercial and industrial goods across Lake Michigan. After being abandoned in 1913, she was declared a total loss by her American owners and intentionally sunk in 1915.
Significant Incidents
- Abandoned by operators in Chicago in 1913.
- Scuttled on April 21, 1915, near Whiting, Indiana.
Final Disposition
Declared a total loss by her American owners. Afterwards, she was purposely dumped in shallow waters and remains at her final resting site off Whiting at 15 ft depth.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Resting in 15 ft of water off Whiting/Hammond, Indiana. The scuttling site places it offshore but near to the harbor breakwall. No active navigational markers exist; the shallow wreck may pose a risk to small recreational boats. Mariners should remain alert in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-f-williams-us-86060″ title=”References & Links”]
George F. Williams was a typical late-19th-century bulk freighter built to haul industrial goods across Lake Michigan. Abandoned in 1913, she was scuttled in 1915 near Whiting, Indiana, where she lies in shallow water—easily accessible to divers and small boaters. Her hull remains a notable, if tranquil, marker of Great Lakes shipping history.
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: George F. Williams
- Built: July 24, 1889, at West Bay City, Michigan
- Vessel Type: Bulk freighter
- Official Number: U.S. 86060
- Dimensions: 280 ft × 41.4 ft; draft 21.3 ft; 1,888 GRT
- Usage: Transported commercial and industrial goods across Lake Michigan
Final Loss Details
Date Lost: April 21, 1915
Location: Off Whiting, Indiana, Lake Michigan
Cause: Abandoned vessel was towed offshore and intentionally sunk
Depth of Wreck: Approximately 15 ft
Crew & Casualties: None reported
History & Final Voyage
The George F. Williams served from her launch in 1889, often hauling industrial freight to Midwestern ports. She was abandoned by operators in Chicago in 1913 (enrollment surrendered March 25, 1913). On April 21, 1915, she was towed offshore near Hammond, Indiana (or Whiting), and scuttled in shallow water—her hull settling in approximately 15 ft of water. The vessel rests intact but stripped, with gears and mast structures visible under current water conditions.
(greatlakesvesselhistory.com, in.gov)
Final Disposition
Declared a total loss by her American owners. Afterwards, she was purposely dumped in shallow waters and remains at her final resting site off Whiting at 15 ft depth.
Depth & Location
Resting in 15 ft of water off Whiting/Hammond, Indiana. The scuttling site places it offshore but near to the harbor breakwall.
Notmars & Advisories
No active navigational markers exist; the shallow wreck may pose a risk to small recreational boats. Mariners should remain alert in the area.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Coastal Program listing — Indiana DNR (wreck summary)
- Great Lakes Vessel Histories — build, enrollment, and scuttling info (US86060)
- Chicago Reader “Life Boat” feature (historical narrative)
(in.gov, greatlakesvesselhistory.com, chicagoreader.com)
Conclusion
George F. Williams was a typical late-19th-century bulk freighter built to haul industrial goods across Lake Michigan. Abandoned in 1913, she was scuttled in 1915 near Whiting, Indiana, where she lies in shallow water—easily accessible to divers and small boaters. Her hull remains a notable, if tranquil, marker of Great Lakes shipping history.