Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George L. Seaver
- Type: Schooner-barge (wooden vessel, square-rigged)
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Huron
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
schooner-barge
Description
The George L. Seaver was a wooden, square-rigged schooner-barge primarily used for transporting bulk cargoes such as coal and lumber. These vessels were often towed by steamboats or sailed independently, making them vulnerable to collisions in busy shipping lanes.
History
Built in 1868, the George L. Seaver operated in the Great Lakes region, engaging in the transportation of various bulk goods. On November 14, 1880, while on a downbound voyage, she collided with the schooner Winnie Wing, resulting in her rapid sinking.
Significant Incidents
- Collision: The George L. Seaver collided with the Winnie Wing on Lake Huron, leading to her sinking.
- Casualties: No casualties were reported in the incident.
Final Disposition
The George L. Seaver was declared a complete total loss following the collision. Although immediate rescue efforts were initiated by the crew of the Winnie Wing and nearby vessels, the wreck was not salvaged, marking a financial loss for her owner.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it has not been salvaged or extensively documented since its sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-l-seaver-1868″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the George L. Seaver on November 14, 1880, underscores the dangers faced by schooner-barges navigating the heavily trafficked waters of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
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
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George L. Seaver
- Type: Schooner‑barge (wooden vessel, square-rigged)
- Built: 1868
- Loss Date: November 14, 1880
- Incident: Collided with the schooner Winnie Wing on Lake Huron
- Casualties: None reported
Collision & Sinking
On a downbound voyage in late 1880, the George L. Seaver collided with the Winnie Wing. The impact caused Seaver to sink rapidly; she was declared a complete total loss with no survivors aboard when the accident occurred (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Vessel Role & Context
Operated as a schooner-barge, she primarily shipped bulk cargoes such as coal and lumber. These barges were towed by steamboats or sailed independently and were highly vulnerable to collisional incidents when navigating busy Great Lakes shipping lanes.
Injury & Aftermath
Although no crew were lost, the sinking would have prompted immediate rescue efforts by Winnie Wing‘s crew or nearby vessels. The wreck was not salvaged and marked a financial total loss for her owner (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Research Opportunities
- Cargo and Master’s Name: Check LSS (Life-Saving Service) or customs logs from fall 1880
- Collision Details: Stylistically consistent with the era—fog or nighttime navigation errors
- Insurance or Salvage Records: Regional underwriter files (Bay City, Chicago) might hold loss assessments
Conclusion
The George L. Seaver met her fate on November 14, 1880, after colliding with Winnie Wing, leading to her sinking with no survivors. This incident highlights the risk and loss potential of schooner-barges operating amidst heavy marine traffic in the late 19th century.
george-l-seaver-1868 1880-11-14 01:46:00