Shotline Diving

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H. G. Williams US 11191

Explore the wreck of the H. G. Williams, a scow-schooner lost in 1873 during a storm in Lake Erie, near Cedar Point.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: H. G. Williams
  • Type: scow-schooner
  • Year Built: 1863
  • Builder: R. Hayes
  • Dimensions: 90 ft (27.43 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 154 tons
  • Location: Cedar Point, Ontario
  • Official Number: 11191

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The H. G. Williams was a wooden scow-schooner, characterized by a flat-bottom hull that made her suitable for shallow harbors and coastal navigation. This design was particularly advantageous for transporting bulk materials, such as coal, which was likely her cargo at the time of her loss.

Description

Built in 1863 at Fairport, Ohio by R. Hayes, the H. G. Williams was a wooden scow-schooner with a registered tonnage of 154 tons and an approximate length of 90 feet. The vessel was designed for bulk freight transport, primarily relying on being towed by steam vessels. This reliance made her vulnerable to sudden storms, as evidenced by her loss during a severe gale in August 1873.

History

The H. G. Williams was towed by the steam tug Sun across Pelee Passage when she broke free during a late-season gale on August 15, 1873. The scow drifted uncontrollably in high seas before grounding near Cedar Point, Ontario. The crew managed to take refuge aboard the tug or another vessel and survived the incident. Unfortunately, the vessel began to break apart under the relentless wave action, leading to her designation as a total loss, with no salvage attempts made.

Significant Incidents

  • August 15, 1873: The H. G. Williams broke free from the steam tug Sun during a severe storm in Pelee Passage.
  • The scow drifted uncontrolled and eventually grounded near Cedar Point, where it was wrecked by heavy seas.
  • No casualties were recorded during the wreck, and the crew survived by taking refuge aboard the tug or another vessel.

Final Disposition

The H. G. Williams was declared a total loss as she began to break apart under the wave action after grounding. No salvage operations were undertaken, and the vessel was abandoned.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is likely that the remains of the H. G. Williams have deteriorated over time due to the harsh conditions of Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”h-g-williams-us-11191″ title=”References & Links”]

The loss of the H. G. Williams on August 15, 1873, highlights the dangers faced by towed scow-schooners in the Great Lakes, particularly during transitional seasons and in confined passages like Pelee Passage. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of such vessels in adverse weather conditions.

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.

(scow‑schooner, Official No. 11191)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Built: 1863 at Fairport, Ohio by R. Hayes
  • Type & Specification: Wooden scow-schooner, 154 tons, likely ~90 ft length, flat-bottomed, designed for bulk freight like coal
  • Loss Date: August 15, 1873
  • Tow Vessel: Steam tug Sun (propeller steamer)
  • Route & Incident Site: In Pelee Passage, Lake Erie—mentored by a late-season gale
  • Final Grounding: Went ashore near Cedar Point (approximately at the east end of Pelee Island, Ontario) and was wrecked by heavy seas the next day
  • Casualties: None recorded during the wreck (Links to the Past, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Alchem Inc.)

Incident & Final Disposition

  • While being towed by the steam tug Sun across Pelee Passage, the H. G. Williams broke free during a severe storm on August 15, 1873.
  • The scow drifted uncontrolled in high seas before eventually grounding near Cedar Point. The crew took refuge aboard the tow or another vessel and survived.
  • The vessel began to break apart under continuing wave action, leading to her designation as a total loss. No salvage was undertaken (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).

Vessel Type & Role

  • As a scow-schooner, the H. G. Williams featured a flat-bottom hull ideal for shallow harbors and coastal shores.
  • She was commonly utilized to transport bulk materials such as coal—likely her load at time of loss.
  • Reliant solely on being towed by steam vessels, such barges held little defense against sudden storms—a vulnerability evident in this incident.

Research Gaps & Recommended Investigations

  • Tow Agreement & Tug Records: Investigation into tug Sun‘s logs and contracts (based in Buffalo or Cleveland) may reveal voyage intentions and towline separation causes.
  • Crew Accounts: Personal logs or interviews—possibly recorded in newspapers—could offer survivor insight into the grounding.
  • Local Newspaper Coverage: Outlets like Sandusky Register, Cleveland Leader, and Buffalo Express from late August 1873 likely reported the incident & crew’s safety.
  • Salvage Attempts: Check marine insurance registries in Cleveland or Detroit for possible claims.

Conclusion

The H. G. Williams met her end on August 15, 1873, when she broke loose from her tow in Pelee Passage during a late summer gale. With no propulsion to counter waves, she was driven ashore near Cedar Point, Ontario. The crew survived, but the vessel was destroyed by wave action and abandoned. This incident underlines the risks faced by towed scow-schooners in Great Lakes transitional seasons, especially in confined passages like Pelee.

h-g-williams-us-11191 1873-08-15 00:52:00