Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Crosthwaite
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: Crosthwaite
- Dimensions: 150 ft (45.72 m); Beam: 30.2 ft; Depth of hold: 11.8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 371.81 gross tons / 353 net tons
- Location: Near Kelly’s Island, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 26217
- Original Owners: J. Kelderhouse, Buffalo, New York; Charles Bradley, Chicago, IL; A.J. McGraw; Lincoln; Charles Eastman; Shannon & Carey, Saginaw, MI
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Schooner
Description
The William Crosthwaite was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1866. It was primarily used for bulk freight trade across the Great Lakes, including coal, grain, and lumber.
History
The William Crosthwaite was enrolled at Detroit, MI, in 1866. Over the years, it changed ownership multiple times, operating under various owners and frequently being towed by steamers. It was involved in several incidents, including collisions and being icebound.
Significant Incidents
- 1867, Oct: Leaked and beached near Milwaukee, WI
- 1869, Jun: Damaged in collision with schooner Queen of the North, Lake Erie
- 1871, Dec: Icebound in Saginaw area, Lake Huron
- 1888, Apr 30: Sunk at Sailors’ Encampment, St. Mary’s River; later raised
- 1896, Sep 13: Sunk in collision with City of Mackinac; raised and repaired in Detroit
Final Disposition
The William Crosthwaite was lost on September 6, 1906, near Kelly’s Island, Lake Erie, due to a collision with her towing steamer Homer Warren while carrying a cargo of stone. The vessel was presumed unrecovered, and documents were surrendered on March 29, 1907, at Port Huron, MI.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the William Crosthwaite is considered a total loss and is presumed unrecovered. Its exact condition remains unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”william-crosthwaite-us-26217″ title=”References & Links”]
The William Crosthwaite serves as a significant example of the operational history of wooden lake schooners in the Great Lakes, highlighting the challenges faced by such vessels during their service.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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