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
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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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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