Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William A. Reiss
- Type: Wooden steam bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1901
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: Not specified; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Not recorded
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The William A. Reiss was a steam-powered wooden bulk freighter, used in the transport of coal and other bulk goods across the Great Lakes. By 1934, such wooden steamers were nearing the end of their commercial service lives, being increasingly replaced by steel-hulled vessels.
Description
The vessel was primarily engaged in the transport of coal. On November 14, 1934, the William A. Reiss was caught in a moderate gale on Lake Superior while carrying coal. The vessel grounded, and despite efforts to lighter (offload) the cargo to reduce weight, she was found to be heavily damaged and subsequently declared a total loss.
History
No lives were lost in the incident, and the crew successfully evacuated. Details on the location of the grounding are vague in the primary record, and it is unclear if any salvageable remains were left in place.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded during a moderate gale on November 14, 1934.
- No casualties reported; crew evacuated successfully.
Final Disposition
Grounded and destroyed by storm conditions. Wreck not confirmed as a dive site. Presumed dismantled or abandoned on-site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and it has not been confirmed as a dive site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”william-a-reiss-1901″ title=”References & Links”]
The William A. Reiss serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wooden vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly as they transitioned to steel construction.
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.
WRECK SUMMARY
- Type: Wooden steamer (likely bulk freighter)
- Length: Not specified
- Loss of Life: None
- Location: Lake Superior (exact coordinates not specified)
- GPS: Not recorded
- Depth: Unknown (grounded)
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: William A. Reiss
- Type: Wooden steam bulk freighter
- Built: 1901
- Flag/Registry: United States
- Date of Loss: November 14, 1934
- Final Resting Place: Grounded and wrecked in Lake Superior during moderate gale
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal
- Casualties: None
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The William A. Reiss was a steam-powered wooden bulk freighter, used in the transport of coal and other bulk goods across the Great Lakes. By 1934, such wooden steamers were nearing the end of their commercial service lives, being increasingly replaced by steel-hulled vessels.
HISTORY
On November 14, 1934, the William A. Reiss was caught in a moderate gale on Lake Superior while carrying coal. The vessel grounded, and despite efforts to lighter (offload) the cargo to reduce weight, she was found to be heavily damaged and subsequently declared a total loss.
No lives were lost in the incident, and the crew successfully evacuated. Details on the location of the grounding are vague in the primary record, and it is unclear if any salvageable remains were left in place.
FINAL DISPOSITION
Grounded and destroyed by storm conditions. Wreck not confirmed as a dive site. Presumed dismantled or abandoned on-site.
REFERENCES & LINKS
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
- Great Lakes Ships – Bowling Green State University
- GreatLakesShips.org