William Tell

William Tell drawing by Robert Doornbos

 

 

42.15.7946  x  86.40.111

The phrase “Just add water” is inappropriate when it comes to shipping a chemical such as lime. The seemingly innocent powdered material, which is used in everything from glass manufacturing, paint fabrication, baking powder and ammonia production, must be kept dry.

When the crew of the tiny, two-masted scow schooner William Tell discovered a fire on their vessel on August 20, 1869 it already had burned through the deck, and the vessel was quickly destroyed. Her captain, Hugh Keenan and crewmen escaped in the small boat. 

Bound for St. Joseph from Milwaukee when the fire occurred, the vessel quickly sank.

The William Tell was built in  1861 by Charles Rose at New Baltimore, MI. The vessel was 60 feet long by 20 feet wide. She was owned by Capt. Robinson of Benton Harbor.

Discovered in April, 2009 during the annual search effort sponsored by MSRA, with Clive Cussler’s National Underwater Marine Association, the William Tell was one of three wrecks found that year.

Here’s a video exploring the wreck of the William Tell:

The Underwater photos below were taken in 2009 by Valerie van Heest

William Tell Masts

William Tell Masts

William Tell from Bow

William Tell from Bow

William Tell Centerboard

William Tell Centerboard

William Tell Bow

William Tell Bow