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.
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.
(schooner‑barge, wood – Official No. 10152)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George H. Wand (also occasionally spelled Waud in period news)
- Official number: 10152 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Build: 1866 in Buffalo, NY by R. Williams
- Dimensions: 139 ft length × 31 ft beam × 11 ft depth
- Tonnage: 358 gross / 340 net register (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Type: Wooden two‑masted schooner, later converted into a schooner‑barge
Vessel Type & Conversion
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 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
History & Ownership
- Initial owner/operator: Likely entered Great Lakes freight service under traditional regional operators.
- 1878 grounding: Went ashore at Sand Beach, Lake Huron, likely due to storm. Declared total loss and rebuilt in May 1880. Conversion to towable barge was completed (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
1902 Final Incident
- Date: April 17, 1902
- Location: Off the mouth of Black River, Port Huron, Lake Huron (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Circumstances: George H. Wand was under tow by the tug Annie Laurie, which was hurrying back to port after springing a leak. Around 2 a.m., while passing another vessel, Wand sheered off course and was struck by the upbound bulk freighter Lagonda.
- Outcome: Struck amidships, the vessel sank quickly to her rail; part of the crew escaped in her yawl, and the rest were rescued by Lagonda‘s lifeboat (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- Casualties: None reported
Final Disposition & Aftermath
- Declared a total loss upon grounding off Black River.
- Not recovered, presumably left sunk near Port Huron. Documentation does not indicate later salvage.
- No legal or insurance disputes recorded publicly.
Archival Gaps & Research Directions
- Conversion records (1878–80): Likely exist in Port Huron, Saginaw, or Sandusky underwriters or shipyard logs.
- Tug Annie Laurie‘s leak report & crew testimony: Could be found in Port Huron port authority or Great Lakes pilothouse registers.
- Freighter Lagonda logs: May contain incident descriptions and crew rescue details.
- Crew manifest: Names and roles unlocated—search in Great Lakes newspaper archives (e.g., Port Huron Times, Detroit Free Press) from April 1902.
- Wreck site: Possible remains in shallow water near Port Huron; unknown if surveyed or marked.
Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – “W” series including George H. Wand (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Conclusion
The George H. Wand had a prolonged service life—over 35 years—surviving grounding and conversion before her demise in a complex tow incident. The 1902 collision involving tug and freighter highlights navigational hazards in crowded waters. Though crew escaped unharmed, the vessel was lost. The site near Port Huron warrants archaeological investigation, particularly for cargo, towline equipment, and conversion structures. Deeper archival work in Port Huron, Black River, and insurance records could reveal conversion blueprints, crew lists, vessel registries, and eyewitness accounts.
Keywords & Categories
- Region: Lake Huron, Port Huron / Black River
- Type: Wooden schooner‑barge
- Build: 1866
- Loss date: April 17, 1902
- Cause: Tow collision in canal passage
- Casualties: None
- Site: Unlocated wreck, potential dive/ROV interest