Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

A former Schooner converted to a tow Barge in 1876, used primarily to carry bulk lumber under tow — unpowered and reliant on weather and Tug control.

Description

119-foot wooden Hull, single Deck. After Conversion, de-rigged and modified for Barge duty. No propulsion of its own, structurally simpler than an active Schooner.

History

  • 1862: Built in Erie, PA.
  • 1876: Refitted from Schooner to unrigged Barge for towing use.
  • Spring 1886: Laden with ~30,000 bushels of lumber, given that Barge tonnage estimate.
  • Final voyage: Under tow of propeller Tug Burlington, departing Detroit after winter lay‑up, destined for Cleveland. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Final Disposition

On 1 April 1886, during transit through Pelee Passage, the William Vanatta broke away from her tow in a northeast gale. She drifted onto the shoals off Point Pelee, Ontario, grounding and breaking apart rapidly in high seas. Canadian fishermen rescued the crew. The Canadian Tug Pilot later recovered anchor and chains; wreckage was salvaged in subsequent weeks. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Her owner subsequently sued the Tug’s master, alleging deviation from the agreed-upon safer southerly route, which likely contributed to her loss. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Located By & Date Found

No formal archaeological discovery. Wreck remnants were removed; Hull likely broken and scattered near the shore. No dives or surveys documented.

Notmar & Advisories

None specific to this historic wreck. However, Pelee Passage remains known for unpredictable spring storms. Mariners should heed seasonal advisories.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The William Vanatta exemplifies the hazards of tow-Barge operations in early spring storms on Lake Erie. Though her crew survived, the Barge was entirely destroyed after grounding during a galeswept tow passage. The resultant legal case highlights the critical importance of navigation planning and Tug command decisions in Barge safety. Today, her wreckage largely removed, she remains significant as a marker of late-19th-century brown water cargo operations crossing Great Lakes passage routes.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: Schooner‑Barge, tow operations, Pelee Passage, 1886 grounding
  • Categories: Wood-hulled Barge wrecks, Lake Erie spring storm losses, tow dispute litigation
  • Glossary:
    • Barge: Unpowered vessel designed for towing.
    • Pelee Passage: Navigable channel south of Point Pelee, Lake Erie.
    • Grounding: When a vessel strikes the seabed or shoreline.
    • Towline: Rope or cable connecting Tug to Barge.