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D.M. Wilson
Wooden Bulk Freighter
Historic Research Collection

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GPS Location: N45° 03.920’ W83° 10.928’
Depth: 40 Feet
Wreck Length: 179 Feet Beam: 32 Feet
Gross Tonnage: 758 Cargo: Coal
Launched: 1873 by Simon Langell at St. Clair, Michigan
Wrecked: October 27,1894
Description: The D.M. Wilson was headed for Milwaukee with a load of coal when it sprang a leak and began sinking.  The steamers Hudson and Samuel Mitchell took it in tow, but it foundered in 40 feet of water two miles north of Thunder Bay Island.  The crew was rescued by a fourth ship.  The Wilson was broken up by a gale 10 days later, when debris was driven as far south as Tawas.  Much of the machinery was later salvaged.  Most of the Wilson’s hull remains intact today, including a large windlass that rests on the bow. 


D.M. WilsonD.M. Wilson

D.M. WilsonD.M. Wilson

D.M. Wilson

D.M. Wilson

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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wreck coordinates Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center