Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: WILLIAM F. HALLSTEAD
- Type: Wooden Propeller Tug (Former Yacht)
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 44 ft (13.4 m); Beam 14 ft (4.3 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 18 gross tons, 12 net tons
- Location: Near Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 81414
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Propeller Tug (Originally Built as a Yacht, Later Used as a Fish Tug and Towboat)Description
The WILLIAM F. HALLSTEAD was originally built as a private yacht in 1892 in Buffalo, New York, but was later converted into a working vessel, being variously described as a fish tug, towboat, and passenger vessel.
By the early 1900s, she was operating out of Sandusky, Ohio, likely supporting commercial fishing, towing, or small-scale passenger transport operations.
Her versatile service history reflects a common pattern for small wooden steam and propeller-driven vessels, which were often repurposed over time as demands changed.
History
On December 8, 1906, while navigating near Dunkirk, New York, on Lake Erie, the WILLIAM F. HALLSTEAD caught fire under uncertain circumstances.
Despite efforts to control the blaze, the fire spread rapidly, completely consuming the vessel before it could be saved.
The entire crew of five survived, but the vessel was declared a total loss.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but onboard fires were a common risk for wooden vessels, particularly those with fuel sources like coal, oil, or wood-burning stoves.
Significant Incidents
- Cause of fire unknown
- Declared a total loss
- No loss of life (5 crew survived)
Final Disposition
Destroyed by fire near Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie, on December 8, 1906.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil—there are no confirmed reports of WILLIAM F. HALLSTEAD‘s wreck being located.
Resources & Links
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The WILLIAM F. HALLSTEAD is an example of early Great Lakes vessels that evolved over time, shifting from private leisure craft to commercial utility vessel.
Her destruction by fire in 1906 is part of a long history of wooden vessels lost due to onboard fires, a common hazard of the time.
With no remains reported, she is likely scattered or completely destroyed beneath the waters near Dunkirk, New York.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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