Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William P. Rend
- Type: Steam Screw Barge
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 287.6 ft (87.6 m); Beam 40 ft (12.2 m); Depth of hold 23.6 ft (7.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 2,323 tons; Net: 1,697 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 1.2 m / 4 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, near Alpena, Michigan
- Coordinates: Latitude 45°03'44.0"N, Longitude 83°23'35.0"W
- Official Number: 86026
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The wreck is suspected to be the William P. Rend, a steam screw barge, a type of large freight vessel that was common on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These vessels were characterized by their screw propulsion systems, designed to carry large cargo loads efficiently.
•Original Name: George G. Hadley
•Built: 1888 in West Bay City, Michigan
Description
The William P. Rend, originally named the George G. Hadley, served as a significant freight vessel operating out of Chicago, Illinois.
History
•1888: Built in West Bay City, Michigan.
•Renamed: William P. Rend and re-registered under U.S. Number 86026.
•Service: Primarily transported bulk cargo across the Great Lakes.
•Sinking Incident
•Date of Loss: September 22, 1917
•Location: Near Alpena, Michigan, Lake Huron
•Cause: Circumstances of the sinking remain unclear.
•Casualties: None; all crew members evacuated safely.
Significant Incidents
- The wreck was reported as a navigation hazard as early as 1974, with surveys conducted to confirm its position.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies in Lake Huron, near Thunder Bay, submerged at a depth of 1.2 meters (4 feet), making it a significant navigation hazard. While the identity of the vessel remains uncertain, historical and physical evidence strongly suggest it is the William P. Rend. The wreck is deteriorated but remains a prominent submerged feature.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Mariners should refer to current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) when navigating near Thunder Bay. The shallow position of the wreck makes it critical for vessels, particularly those with deeper drafts, to exercise caution. The site is regularly updated on nautical charts due to its navigational hazard status.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The wreck, presumed to be the William P. Rend, adds to the historical and archaeological significance of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a region known for its high concentration of shipwrecks. Its story reflects the challenges of freight transport on the Great Lakes and serves as a testament to the evolution of maritime technology.