W.P. Thew – Lake Huron Steamer Shipwreck (1909)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: W.P. THEW
• Type: Propeller (Steamship)
• Year Built: 1884
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 206 tons
• Location: Near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
• Official Number: 81024

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The W.P. THEW was a steam-powered propeller vessel typical of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a gross tonnage of 206 tons, it was a modestly sized workhorse, essential for the freight and industrial needs of the Great Lakes region. Propeller-driven steamships like the W.P. THEW played a vital role in the economic growth of the area, facilitating the transport of goods and materials across these inland seas.

Description

The W.P. THEW served for 25 years, navigating the Great Lakes and contributing to regional trade. On June 22, 1909, while traveling near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron, the vessel collided with the propeller WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. The collision caused irreparable damage, and the W.P. THEW was declared a total loss.

Fortunately, all 11 individuals aboard were rescued, and no lives were lost. The incident had legal repercussions, with Captain D.P. Crane of the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON suspended for 30 days due to his ship’s role in the collision. The event was widely reported, including an article in the Buffalo Evening News on August 27, 1909.

History

The W.P. THEW sank near Thunder Bay Island following the collision with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. While specifics about the wreck’s location and condition remain unclear, it is presumed to rest in the waters near the site of the incident.

Significant Incidents

• June 22, 1909: The W.P. THEW collided with the propeller WILLIAM LIVINGSTON near Thunder Bay Island, resulting in a total loss.
• All 11 crew members were rescued with no fatalities reported.
• Captain D.P. Crane of the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON was suspended for 30 days due to the incident.

Final Disposition

The W.P. THEW sank near Thunder Bay Island following the collision with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. While specifics about the wreck’s location and condition remain unclear, it is presumed to rest in the waters near the site of the incident.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The W.P. THEW likely rests in a scattered or deteriorated state due to the nature of the collision and the time elapsed since its sinking. Without confirmed coordinates or detailed survey information, the condition and accessibility of the wreck remain speculative.

Resources & Links

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The story of the W.P. THEW is a testament to the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes in the age of steam. Serving faithfully for 25 years, the vessel met its end in a tragic collision with the WILLIAM LIVINGSTON near Thunder Bay Island. While the incident resulted in the total loss of the ship, the successful rescue of all aboard prevented further tragedy. The legacy of the W.P. THEW endures as a reminder of the vigilance and resilience required to navigate these waters.