Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Raynor
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge, later converted to tug and sandsucker
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder:
- Dimensions: ~227 tons (schooner-barge capacity); later 311 tons as tug
- Registered Tonnage: 311 tons
- Location: Near Bar Point, Lake Huron
- Official Number: Not listed
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally built as a wooden schooner-barge, later rebuilt into a propeller tug and sandsucker around 1890. The vessel changed purpose to serve as a dredge support or small harbor tug.
Description
Records show that in October 1887, William Raynor capsized and sank near Bar Point during a gale after her cargo of lumber shifted. Her boiler reportedly exploded during sinking. The crew escaped in the yawl, and captain survived—later rescued by the steamer Chicago. Recovered and rebuilt in the spring of 1888, she reappeared as a tug/sandsucker.
History
William Raynor was built in 1862 and served initially as a schooner-barge. In October 1887, she capsized during a storm while carrying lumber, leading to her sinking. The vessel was salvaged and rebuilt in 1888, continuing her service into the 20th century.
Significant Incidents
- Capsized and sank in October 1887 during a gale.
- Reported boiler explosion during the sinking.
- Crew survived and was rescued by the steamer Chicago.
Final Disposition
Rather than a permanent loss, she was salvaged and restored. The vessel served into the 20th century under modified structure, operating as a tug or sandsucker.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The capsizing incident was noted post-storm; no GPS of wreck site exists. The vessel was recovered from Lake Huron and rebuilt ashore. No long-term navigational markers were placed, and being salvaged, no hazard remains. Bar Point waters are known for shoal and storm activity.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”william-raynor-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
William Raynor foundered after capsizing in October 1887 near Bar Point, Lake Huron, with cargo of lumber. Despite damages—including an apparent boiler explosion—her crew survived, and she was recovered and rebuilt as a tug and sandsucker in 1890. The vessel’s resilience makes her case exceptional for salvage outcomes of the era.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: William Raynor
- Built: 1862 (as a schooner barge)
- Official Number: Not listed
- Vessel Type: Wooden schooner-barge later converted to tug and sandsucker
- Dimensions: ~227 tons (schooner‑barge capacity); later 311 tons as tug (stated elsewhere)
- Final Loss: October 1887, later stranded and rebuilt
- Location: Near Bar Point, Lake Huron (green site)
- Cargo: Lumber (when foundered)
- Crew & Casualties: No fatalities recorded
Vessel Type
Originally built as a wooden schooner‑barge, later rebuilt into a propeller tug and sandsucker around 1890. The vessel changed purpose to serve as a dredge support or small harbor tug.
History & Final Voyage
Records show that in October 1887, William Raynor capsized and sank near Bar Point during a gale after her cargo of lumber shifted. Her boiler reportedly exploded during sinking. The crew escaped in the yawl, and captain survived—later rescued by the steamer Chicago. Recovered and rebuilt in the spring of 1888, she reappeared as a tug/sandsucker. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, linkstothepast.com, wisconsinshipwrecks.org, linkstothepast.com)
Final Disposition
Rather than a permanent loss, she was salvaged and restored. The vessel served into the 20th century under modified structure, operating as a tug or sandsucker.
Located By & Date Found
The capsizing incident was noted post-storm; no GPS of wreck site exists. The vessel was recovered from Lake Huron and rebuilt ashore.
Notmars & Advisories
No long-term navigational markers were placed, and being salvaged, no hazard remains. Bar Point waters are known for shoal and storm activity.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files summary of foundering, explosion, crew rescue, and rebuild (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Conclusion
William Raynor foundered after capsizing in October 1887 near Bar Point, Lake Huron, with cargo of lumber. Despite damages—including an apparent boiler explosion—her crew survived, and she was recovered and rebuilt as a tug and sandsucker in 1890. The vessel’s resilience makes her case exceptional for salvage outcomes of the era.