Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W.C. Kimball
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 63 ft × 17 ft × 5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 40-50 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 90 m / 300 ft
- Location: Near Manitou Passage, Lake Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Identity & Construction
- Name: W.C. Kimball
- Built: 1888 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner, ~63 ft × 17 ft × 5 ft (~40–50 tons)
- Cargo at Loss: Approximately 200 barrels of salt and ~250,000 wooden shingles
Description
Description
The W.C. Kimball was a wooden scow-schooner that met its fate during a severe gale on May 8, 1891. The vessel was carrying a cargo of salt and wooden shingles when it disappeared in poor visibility caused by forest fires. The wreck was discovered in September 2018, lying upright at a depth of approximately 300 feet in Lake Michigan. It is noted for its exceptional state of preservation, with features such as a clipper bow and an intact lifeboat.
History
History
The W.C. Kimball was built in 1888 and operated primarily in the Great Lakes region. On its final voyage, it departed from Manistee, Michigan, bound for Northport. The crew consisted of four members, including Captain James Stevens and Mate Charles Kehl. The vessel was overwhelmed by a northwestern gale shortly after leaving the harbor, and no survivors were found. The wreckage was later discovered to have washed ashore near Cathead Point.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Loss occurred on May 8, 1891, during a gale amid dense smoke from forest fires.
- All four crew members were lost, and no bodies were recovered.
- Wreckage was found near Cathead Point, indicating the vessel’s final moments.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The W.C. Kimball was lost without immediate notice due to the unusual weather conditions of the time. Its wreck remained undiscovered until 2018, when it was located using side-scan sonar. The wreck is now recognized for its archaeological significance and is considered one of the most intact shipwrecks from the 19th century in the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the W.C. Kimball is located at a depth of approximately 300 feet, making it accessible primarily to technical divers. The wreck is reported to be nearly intact, with masts upright and significant structural features preserved. Ongoing dives and documentation efforts are being conducted to further explore and understand the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-c-kimball-1888″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion & Significance
The W.C. Kimball exemplifies the dangers faced by small schooners in unpredictable weather conditions. Its discovery has provided valuable insights into late-19th-century maritime technology and the environmental factors that contributed to its loss. The wreck serves as a significant archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the past and the challenges of navigation in the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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