Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George H. Wand
- Type: Schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: R. Williams
- Dimensions: 139 ft (42.4 m); 31 ft; 11 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 358 gross / 340 net
- Location: Off the mouth of Black River, Port Huron, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 10152
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Launched in 1866 as a sailing schooner for bulk freight, she was converted into a schooner-barge after a prior accident in September 1878 at Sand Beach, Lake Huron. Declared a total loss ashore, she was not recovered until May 1880 and then rebuilt as a barge under sail.
Description
The George H. Wand was a wooden two-masted schooner that later underwent conversion into a schooner-barge. This conversion followed a grounding incident in 1878, which led to her being declared a total loss. After being rebuilt, she continued to operate in the Great Lakes freight service.
History
Initially, the George H. Wand likely entered Great Lakes freight service under traditional regional operators. In 1878, she went ashore at Sand Beach, Lake Huron, likely due to a storm. After being declared a total loss, she was rebuilt in May 1880 and converted into a towable barge.
Significant Incidents
- 1902 Final Incident: On April 17, 1902, while under tow by the tug Annie Laurie, the George H. Wand was struck by the upbound bulk freighter Lagonda after sheered off course. The vessel sank quickly, with part of the crew escaping in her yawl and the rest rescued by Lagonda‘s lifeboat. No casualties were reported.
Final Disposition
The George H. Wand was declared a total loss upon grounding off Black River. It is presumed that she was left sunk near Port Huron, as documentation does not indicate any later salvage efforts. No legal or insurance disputes regarding the incident have been recorded publicly.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site of the George H. Wand is presumed to be unlocated, with potential remains in shallow water near Port Huron. It is unknown if the site has been surveyed or marked for archaeological investigation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-h-wand-us-10152″ title=”References & Links”]
The George H. Wand had a prolonged service life of over 35 years, surviving grounding and conversion before her demise in a complex tow incident. The 1902 collision highlights navigational hazards in crowded waters. The site warrants archaeological investigation, particularly for cargo, towline equipment, and conversion structures.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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