Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hunter Wills
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: J. Monk, Sandusky, Ohio
- Dimensions: 89 ft × 19 ft × 8 ft; 84 gross tons, 44 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 84 gross tons, 44 net tons
- Location: Erie, Pennsylvania harbor
- Official Number: 140288
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steam tug, originally launched as the passenger steamer Louise, later renamed Hunter Wills (also referred to as Hunter Willis).
Description
The Hunter Wills was a wooden propeller steam tug built in 1878. It measured 89 feet in length, 19 feet in beam, and had a depth of 8 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of 84 gross tons and 44 net tons.
History
Originally launched as the passenger steamer Louise, the vessel was renamed Hunter Wills in 1931, shortly before its destruction by fire. The tug reflects the vulnerabilities of aging wooden vessels, particularly when moored in harbor.
Significant Incidents
- The Hunter Wills was destroyed by fire while docked in Erie harbor on October 22, 1931.
- No injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident.
Final Disposition
The fire completely destroyed the wooden hull and superstructure, resulting in a total loss. Given the era and condition, it was not salvaged and was subsequently written off.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the vessel was completely destroyed by fire, no remains are present to assess current conditions or accessibility.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hunter-wills-louise-us-140288″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Hunter Wills serves as a reminder of the risks faced by wooden vessels, particularly in harbor settings, and highlights the importance of fire safety measures for maritime operations.
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.
Propeller Steam Tug – Built 1878, Lost October 22, 1931
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hunter Wills (initially Louise, later Hunter Willis)
- Official Number: 140288
- Built: 1878 by J. Monk, Sandusky, Ohio
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Dimensions: 89 ft × 19 ft × 8 ft; 84 gross tons, 44 net tons
({{cite}}turn0search2) - Date of Loss: October 22, 1931
- Location: Burned in Erie, Pennsylvania harbor, Lake Erie
Circumstances of Loss
- The Hunter Wills was destroyed by fire while docked in Erie harbor on October 22, 1931.
- No injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident.
Final Disposition
- The fire completely destroyed the wooden hull and superstructure, resulting in a total loss.
- Given the era and condition, it was not salvaged and was subsequently written off.
Historical Significance
- Originally launched as the passenger steamer Louise, she was renamed Hunter Wills (also Hunter Willis) in 1931, shortly before her destruction.
- Reflects vulnerability of aging wooden steam tugs—even working vessels—when moored in harbor.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1878, Sandusky, Ohio |
| Type | Wooden propeller steam tug |
| Dimensions | 89 × 19 × 8 ft; 84 gt / 44 nt |
| Lost | Oct 22, 1931, Erie, PA harbor |
| Cause | Fire – hull gutted to total loss |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Name History | Louise → Hunter Wills (Hunter Willis) |
Suggested Research Directions
- Erie-area newspaper archives (e.g., Erie Times-News, October 1931) may report fire details or ownership background.
- Maritime registries post-1931 may include insurance claims or decommission records.
- Harbor logs might reference dock usage or salvaging plans post-fire.