Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Bates (also listed as William N. Bates)
- Type: Scow Schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: F. Burke
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 54.79 tons
- Location: Foot of Georgia Street, Buffalo, NY
- Official Number: 80052
- Original Owners: Various owners including Elton & McDonald, Preston, Thompson, and R. Stone
- Number of Masts: 1
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Scow Schooner
Description
The William Bates was a wooden scow schooner built in 1866, primarily used for transporting bulk cargo such as grain and lumber across the Great Lakes.
History
The William Bates was registered in White Lake, MI in 1870 and changed ownership several times until its loss in 1880. It was owned by various parties including Elton & McDonald, Preston, and R. Stone.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: November 7, 1880
- Cause: Blown ashore during severe weather, resulting in the vessel filling with water and being declared a total loss.
- Cargo: Wheat at the time of loss.
- Casualties: None recorded.
Final Disposition
The William Bates is presumed destroyed or dismantled after grounding at the foot of Georgia Street in Buffalo, NY.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is presumed to be inaccessible due to its condition post-grounding, with no confirmed remains of the vessel.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”william-bates-aka-william-n-bates-us-80052″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the William Bates highlights the risks faced by small wooden vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather events.
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