Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Maxwell
- Type: Propeller
- Year Built: 1883
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 43 tons
- Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Official Number: 80963
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The William Maxwell was a small wooden-hulled propeller-driven vessel, part of a fleet of versatile craft employed for light cargo transport and towing tasks across the Great Lakes. At just 43 gross tons, the vessel was well-suited for maneuvering through the shallow, narrow waterways and harbors common in the region. Propeller vessels like the William Maxwell played critical yet often understated roles in supporting the economy by connecting smaller ports and carrying goods essential for local commerce.
Description
Launched in 1883, the William Maxwell spent 25 years navigating the Great Lakes, performing short-haul transport and potentially towing operations. Its modest size and propeller-driven design made it a reliable choice for tasks that required precision and access to smaller, shallower ports.
On September 19, 1908, the vessel encountered difficulties while navigating near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. Known for its dangerous shoals and strong currents, the area has been the site of many maritime accidents. The William Maxwell stranded on the island, resulting in a complete loss of the vessel. Fortunately, all seven crew members survived the ordeal, escaping the wreck without injury.
The details surrounding the stranding remain sparse, but the loss of the William Maxwell underscores the challenges faced by mariners in navigating the unpredictable and often hazardous waters of the Great Lakes.
History
The William Maxwell was declared a total loss following the stranding. The vessel was abandoned, with no records indicating significant salvage efforts. The wreck has not been conclusively located through modern surveys, but it is believed to rest near Thunder Bay Island.
Significant Incidents
- The William Maxwell stranded on September 19, 1908, near Thunder Bay Island, resulting in a total loss of the vessel.
- All seven crew members survived the incident without injury.
Final Disposition
The William Maxwell was declared a total loss following the stranding. The vessel was abandoned, with no records indicating significant salvage efforts. The wreck has not been conclusively located through modern surveys, but it is believed to rest near Thunder Bay Island.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the William Maxwell. However, Thunder Bay Island and its surrounding waters are recognized as historically hazardous for navigation, necessitating caution for mariners in the area.
The exact location of the wreck has not been confirmed. Thunder Bay Island remains a general reference point for the site of the William Maxwell‘s loss.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The wreck of the William Maxwell is a testament to the perils of navigating the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. While it was not a large or celebrated vessel, its stranding at Thunder Bay Island reflects the risks faced by even the most routine voyages. The survival of all crew members stands as a fortunate outcome amidst a region notorious for maritime tragedies. The story of the William Maxwell remains an enduring reminder of the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and the unpredictable nature of these inland seas.