GPS Location: N45° 03.742' W83° 23.555'
Depth: 17 Feet
Wreck Length: 287 Feet Beam: 40 Feet
Gross Tonnage: 2323 Cargo: Stone
Launched: 1888 by James Davidson at West Bay City, Michigan
Wrecked: September 22, 1917
Description: The William P. Rend was constructed as a bulk freighter and originally called the George G. Hadley. It sank the "whaleback" steamer Thomas Wilson in a collision at Duluth, Minnesota in 1902 and was sufficiently damaged that she too sank in shallow water nearby. She was afterwards recovered and rebuilt as a tow-barge and rechristened the William P. Rend. In its last days, it was towed by the tug Harrison and engaged in the stone trade. It foundered in Thunder Bay just outside of Alpena without the loss of any lives. The wreck is almost entirely intact except for decking and deck beams; portions of the sides are just below the surface. Click here to read more about the W.P. Rend.
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Enjoy diving the wrecks of Thunder Bay, but always respect the past. State and federal laws prohibit removing or disturbing artifacts. Future generations are depending on us to leave historic shipwrecks intact. Please take only pictures and leave only bubbles. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck List
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary maintains seasonal moorings at many shipwreck sites. Available from May to September, the moorings make for safer diving and also protect shipwrecks from anchor damage. Sanctuary regulations require vessels to use moorings when present. Mooring Buoy Interactive Map
Things To Do
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling