William Maxwell

diagram of the William Maxwell wreck
Shipwreck William Maxwell site plan.

Vessel Type: Motor: fish tug

GPS Location: N45° 01.990’ W83° 11.493’

Depth: 12 feet

Wreck Length: 67 feet

Beam: 8 feet

Gross Tonnage: 43

Cargo: Fish

Built: 1883 by J.P. Smith at Chicago, Illinois

Wrecked: September 19, 1908

Mooring Buoy Data

Description: When the fishing tug William Maxwell got too close to the reef extending from the southeast end of Thunder Bay Island, it broke its propeller on the rocks and ran ashore. The tug broke apart and now only the stern deadwood, shaft, and broken propeller remain on the reef. More information about fish tugs and Great Lakes fishing heritage is available on the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail.

Great Lakes Maritime Collection digital archive: http://greatlakeships.org/2907386/data?n=1

a diver grabs on to a piece of a shipwreck
Diver inspects the William Maxwell propeller shaft.
a diver places their hand on part of a shipwreck
Diver nears William Maxwell’s broken propeller.