Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W. H. Sawyer
- Type: Wooden steam-powered bulk carrier/tug originally, towing barges
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: F. W. Wheeler yard (builder source unclear)
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 747 GT
- Location: Near Harbor Beach, Lake Huron
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A wooden-hulled steam tug/bulk tow vessel typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes commercial fleets. Originally served with the W.H. Sawyer Lumber Company, configured for towing multiple barges loaded with timber, later hauling limestone and construction materials.
Description
Powered by steam with a robust hull, the Sawyer was designed to tow sizable barges such as the A.C. Tuxbury, C.E. Redfern, Peshtigo, and A.B. King. While dimensions aren’t documented in these sources, her 747 GT tonnage and multi-barge towing roles indicate substantial capacity.
History
Commissioned in 1890, the Sawyer towed lumber barges and was heavily involved in Midwest timber transport. In later years, she hauled stone and heavy cargo from Toledo. On August 11, 1928, in an intense storm on Lake Huron, the Sawyer and her barges grounded off Harbor Beach breakwater, succumbing to waves estimated at 15 ft. Three crew swam ashore; twelve were rescued by the Coast Guard. The vessel broke apart shortly thereafter.
Significant Incidents
- August 11, 1928: Grounded during a northeast storm near Harbor Beach, resulting in the vessel breaking apart.
Final Disposition
The wreck was in shallow water near shore. Due to break-up and subsequent removal efforts (likely by Army Corps of Engineers), no significant remains remain, and the site is not accessible or identifiable as a dive location.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The grounding and loss were recorded contemporaneously in August 1928. Post-loss, no underwater archaeological surveys appear to have located the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-h-sawyer-1890″ title=”References & Links”]
The W. H. Sawyer was a key steam tow in Great Lakes commercial transport, carrying lumber then stone and building materials. In the fierce gale of August 1928, she grounded off Harbor Beach with her barges and disintegrated shortly after. While the crew survived, the wreck was cleared and no longer exists as a heritage or dive site. Her story exemplifies the risks of towing operations in early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W. H. Sawyer
- Type: Wooden steam-powered bulk carrier/tug originally, towing barges
- Built: 1890, F. W. Wheeler yard (primary source ref for builder unclear) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Gross Tonnage: 747 GT (as noted in early career)
- Function: Initially lumber carrier (towing A.C. Tuxbury and C.E. Redfern barges); later towing limestone/building materials barge PESHTIGO & A. B. KING (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Final Voyage & Loss: August 11, 1928 — battered by northeast storm near Harbor Beach, Lake Huron; grounded with barges Peshtigo and A.B. King and broke up (perdurabo10.net)
Vessel Type
A wooden-hulled steam tug/bulk tow vessel typical of late‑19th-century Great Lakes commercial fleets. Originally served with the W.H. Sawyer Lumber Company, configured for towing multiple barges loaded with timber, later hauling limestone and construction materials.
Description
Powered by steam with a robust hull, the Sawyer was designed to tow sizable barges such as the A.C. Tuxbury, C.E. Redfern, Peshtigo, and A.B. King. While dimensions aren’t documented in these sources, her 747 GT tonnage and multi‑barge towing roles indicate substantial capacity.
History
Commissioned in 1890, the Sawyer towed lumber barges and was heavily involved in Midwest timber transport (wisconsinshipwrecks.org). In later years, she hauled stone and heavy cargo from Toledo. On August 11, 1928, in an intense storm on Lake Huron, the Sawyer and her barges grounded off Harbor Beach breakwater, succumbing to waves estimated at 15 ft. Three crew swam ashore; twelve were rescued by the Coast Guard. The vessel broke apart shortly thereafter (perdurabo10.net).
Final Disposition
The wreck was in shallow water near shore. Due to break-up and subsequent removal efforts (likely by Army Corps of Engineers), no significant remains remain, and the site is not accessible or identifiable as a dive location (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Located By & Date Found
The grounding and loss were recorded contemporaneously in August 1928. Post-loss, no underwater archaeological surveys appear to have located the site.
Notmars & Advisories
No current marine navigation advisories or markers exist. Any submerged remnants are dangerous to navigation in shallow water and were likely removed post-storm to clear Harbor Beach access.
Resources & Links
- Perdurabo James Donahue summary — description of grounding in Harbor Beach storm (perdurabo10.net)
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (WordPress) — outlines cargo, barge tow, crew survival, and removal by Corps(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Flybridge forum — acknowledges stranding and breakup on August 11, 1928 (flybridge.proboards.com)
Conclusion
The W. H. Sawyer was a key steam tow in Great Lakes commercial transport, carrying lumber then stone and building materials. In the fierce gale of August 1928, she grounded off Harbor Beach with her barges and disintegrated shortly after. While the crew survived, the wreck was cleared and no longer exists as a heritage or dive site. Her story exemplifies the risks of towing operations in early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.
w-h-sawyer-1890 1928-08-11 12:44:00