Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Stone
- Type: Wooden bulk freighter with steel reinforcement
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: F. W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 270 ft (82 m); Beam 40 ft (12 m); Depth of hold 19.1 ft (5.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,841 gt / 1,501 nt
- Depth at Wreck Site: 7.3 m / 24 ft
- Location: Gravelly Bay near Pelee Passage
- Coordinates: 42° 33.682′ N, 80° 05.429′ W
- Official Number: [not located]
- Original Owners: Alva Bradley, Cleveland, Ohio
- Number of Masts: Single screw
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George Stone was a large hybrid freighter that combined wooden hull construction with steel reinforcement, marking the transitional period of Great Lakes shipping in the 1890s. She hauled bulk cargo and towed consort barges such as the S.H. Kimball, Adriatic, and Thomas Quayle, reflecting her reliability in both freight and towing operations.
Description
The George Stone was a large hybrid freighter that combined wooden hull construction with steel reinforcement, marking the transitional period of Great Lakes shipping in the 1890s. She hauled bulk cargo and towed consort barges such as the S.H. Kimball, Adriatic, and Thomas Quayle, reflecting her reliability in both freight and towing operations.
History
From 1893 to 1909, the George Stone was a familiar sight on Lake Erie, engaged in the bulk coal and iron trade. On 13 October 1909, while navigating Pelee Passage in a southwest gale, she struck Grubb Reef. A fire broke out forward and quickly spread, forcing the crew to abandon ship. In the confusion, a lifeboat capsized, drowning six men. Despite rescue efforts, the vessel was declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- Grounding on Grubb Reef during a southwest gale on 13 October 1909.
- Fire broke out on board, leading to the abandonment of the vessel.
- A lifeboat capsized during the evacuation, resulting in the loss of six crew members.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies in Gravelly Bay near Pelee Passage at a shallow depth of 24 ft. Portions of the hull remain, with heavy burn damage evident in the forward section. Machinery, boilers, and debris are scattered across the site. The wreck is partially broken down but still recognizable as a bulk freighter.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible for diving, with a depth of 24 ft (7 m). It is recommended to access the site by boat, although a shore dive may be possible near Pelee Island. Conditions can vary based on weather and current, and divers should be cautious of sharp metal and wood debris, as well as low visibility during storms.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-stone-us-86261″ title=”References & Links”]
The George Stone represents the evolutionary phase of bulk freighter design between wood and steel. Her history ties her to consort-towing operations and the transition toward modern steel lakers. The tragedy of her loss underscores the hazards of Lake Erie navigation and the limitations of early firefighting at sea.
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.
Lead Image
Identification Card (Site Style)
Type: Wooden bulk freighter with steel reinforcement
Official Number: [not located]
Builder: F. W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan
Year Built: 1893
Owner: Alva Bradley, Cleveland, Ohio
Length: 270 ft (82 m)
Beam: 40 ft (12 m)
Depth of Hold: 19.1 ft (5.8 m)
Tonnage: 1,841 gt / 1,501 nt
Engine: Triple-expansion (17.25″ / 27″ / 47″ cylinders), 1,125 hp @ 78 RPM
Boilers: Two Scotch boilers, 11′ × 12′, 170 psi
Propulsion: Single screw
Registry: Cleveland, Ohio
Coordinates: 42° 33.682′ N, 80° 05.429′ W
Depth: 24 ft (7.3 m)
Casualties: Six crew lost (lifeboat capsize)
Description
The George Stone was a large hybrid freighter that combined wooden hull construction with steel reinforcement, marking the transitional period of Great Lakes shipping in the 1890s. She hauled bulk cargo and towed consort barges such as the S.H. Kimball, Adriatic, and Thomas Quayle, reflecting her reliability in both freight and towing operations.
History
From 1893 to 1909, the George Stone was a familiar sight on Lake Erie, engaged in the bulk coal and iron trade. On 13 October 1909, while navigating Pelee Passage in a southwest gale, she struck Grubb Reef. A fire broke out forward and quickly spread, forcing the crew to abandon ship. In the confusion, a lifeboat capsized, drowning six men. Despite rescue efforts, the vessel was declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies in Gravelly Bay near Pelee Passage at a shallow depth of 24 ft. Portions of the hull remain, with heavy burn damage evident in the forward section. Machinery, boilers, and debris are scattered across the site. The wreck is partially broken down but still recognizable as a bulk freighter.
Dive Site Details
- Depth: 24 ft (7 m)
- Access: Boat recommended; possible shore dive near Pelee Island
- Conditions: Shallow site, weather and current dependent
- Hazards: Sharp metal/wood debris; low visibility in storms
- Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Points of Interest: Boilers, triple-expansion engine, burned forward hull
Significance
The George Stone represents the evolutionary phase of bulk freighter design between wood and steel. Her history ties her to consort-towing operations and the transition toward modern steel lakers. The tragedy of her loss underscores the hazards of Lake Erie navigation and the limitations of early firefighting at sea.
Resources & Links
- ErieWrecks.com – Pelee Passage wrecks
- Great Lakes Vessel History
- Wikipedia – George Stone (ship)
- Toledo Blade – Diving into History
- NOAA Marine Notes
References
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
- NOAA / VOS Marine Accident Reports
- ErieWrecks.com dive guide
- Great Lakes Vessel History Project
- The Blade, Toledo, historical news coverage
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Type: Wooden bulk freighter (steel-reinforced)
Built: 1893, F. W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan
Cause of Loss: Grounding & fire, Grubb Reef, 1909
Coordinates: 42° 33.682′ N, 80° 05.429′ W
Depth: 24 ft (7 m)
Casualties: 6
Condition: Burned and collapsed; machinery scattered
Owner: Alva Bradley, Cleveland, Ohio
Material: Wood with steel reinforcement
Propulsion: Triple-expansion steam engine, single screw
Discovery: Known since sinking
Hazards: Shallow site, sharp debris, current
Permits Required: Ontario Heritage Act applies