W.H. Gilcher
Bulk Freighter · United States · Lost 1892 · Manitou Passage
One of the first steel lakers, gone with all 21 crew in 1892 and never found.
Become Captain of Record
The Vessel and Her Loss
W.H. Gilcher was among the early steel bulk freighters on the Great Lakes, built at Cleveland in 1891. In late October 1892 she disappeared in a storm on northern Lake Michigan carrying coal, with all 21 crew. Wreckage came ashore near the Manitou Islands. The schooner Ostrich was lost nearby in the same storm, and the wreck has never been found.
Vessel
- 1891
- Not established
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Steel
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Steam, single screw
- Not established
Loss
- October 28, 1892
- Storm
- Northern Lake Michigan, near the Manitou Islands
- Lake Michigan
- Not established
- Not established
- 21
- 21
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- Not established
- Position not established
- North Manitou Island, Michigan
Pin marks the named place of loss; no published position used.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (72/100)
The wreck has not been found and the cause of loss is unconfirmed.
Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Loss date, place and circumstances.
Michigan Shipwreck Research Association
Loss date, place and circumstances.
