Have you seen the Col Williams?

[eloesch]

Has anyone dived on the Col. A.B. Williams, and would you be willing to tell me about it. I'm doing research for a dive next weekend. I have the basics (see below), but I'm looking for information on the layout and how to know what I see.

Any tips would be much appreciated.

"The Col. A. B. Williams was lost in 1864 while carrying a cargo of coal. The ship is sitting in an upright position and is almost completely intact. The ship is missing her masts and cabin, which was probably destroyed when it sank. The stern is unattached from the main ship and sits several feet behind it. There are several interesting objects to view on the wreck. The bilge pump is still intact, there are winches and a windlass. The bow sprit is also intact. There are also open hatches for the adventurous divers."
http://main.blclinks.net/~sshort/shipwrecked/grtlakes/huron/sanilac/williams.htm

 

[gtxl1200]

Has anyone dived on the Col. A.B. Williams, and would you be willing to tell me about it. I'm doing research for a dive next weekend. I have the basics (see below), but I'm looking for information on the layout and how to know what I see.

Any tips would be much appreciated.

A few of us wrecking crew have chartered a boat for next weekend one wreck has been decided on. the other one is still being voted on I already have put my vote for the col. AB williams. as I think another has also. So I will HOPEFULLY have info for you after Saturday Afternoon I know for sure though that Diver_paula has dove the col. Williams and she might be able to tell you more go ahead an PM her and ask her and tell her I said it was ok.

 

[vlada]

Has anyone dived on the Col. A.B. Williams, and would you be willing to tell me about it. I'm doing research for a dive next weekend. I have the basics (see below), but I'm looking for information on the layout and how to know what I see.

Any tips would be much appreciated.

"The Col. A. B. Williams was lost in 1864 while carrying a cargo of coal. The ship is sitting in an upright position and is almost completely intact. The ship is missing her masts and cabin, which was probably destroyed when it sank. The stern is unattached from the main ship and sits several feet behind it. There are several interesting objects to view on the wreck. The bilge pump is still intact, there are winches and a windlass. The bow sprit is also intact. There are also open hatches for the adventurous divers."
http://main.blclinks.net/~sshort/shipwrecked/grtlakes/huron/sanilac/williams.htm

I have some pics from it on my site C. Williams

 

[diver_paula]

I know for sure though that Diver_paula has dove the col. Williams and she might be able to tell you more go ahead an PM her and ask her and tell her I said it was ok.

LOL - you forgot to ask me how many years ago I dove the Williams! If I recall correctly it was before the zebra mussels appeared and vis was near nil.

But, here are some references....

'Shipwrecks of Sanilac' by Jim & Pat Stayer has a good drawing.

The same drawing by Pat Stayer is in Chris Kohl's 'The Great Lakes Diving Guide".

Paula

 

[diverbrian]

...the weather. My vote will be for the A.B. Williams as well but if the weather makes it a pain, we will have to change plans.

I will post pictures when I get back.

 

[eloesch]

You folks are great!
I'm looking forward to the dive, and crossing my fingers on the weather. Maybe we'll see you around - except we'll be there Sunday as our 2nd dive (hopefully). Saturday we are doing the St. Clair (river). We are a group from Huron Scuba in Ann Arbor doing dives for our NAUI Master Diver class and some of us are doing briefings for our Divemaster internships. We also hope to dive the Artic, New York and Alice B. - Well that probably jinked it - conditions will be bad.

We'll be diving with Rec&Tec. Any suggestions for what we *must* have on the boat (to be comfortable).

Thanks again,
Beth

 

[diverbrian]

You folks are great!
I'm looking forward to the dive, and crossing my fingers on the weather. Maybe we'll see you around - except we'll be there Sunday as our 2nd dive (hopefully). Saturday we are doing the St. Clair (river). We are a group from Huron Scuba in Ann Arbor doing dives for our NAUI Master Diver class and some of us are doing briefings for our Divemaster internships. We also hope to dive the Artic, New York and Alice B. - Well that probably jinked it - conditions will be bad.

We'll be diving with Rec&Tec. Any suggestions for what we *must* have on the boat (to be comfortable).

Thanks again,
Beth

...would be your gear, your logbook and your C-Card. Capt. Gary provides almost everything else. Have fun.

Brian

 

[eloesch]

And if it's cold and rainy? Do we just sit outside in our wetsuits? And the all important question, Is there a head?
thx

 

[diverbrian]

And if it's cold and rainy? Do we just sit outside in our wetsuits? And the all important question, Is there a head?
thx

There is a head and a good half of the Sylvia Anne is a dry area which is a heated, covered glass cabin. I have been on a few dive boats up here and the Sylvia Anne is definitely up there with the Deep Obsession in Tobermory for the "lap of luxury" award.

Wish that I could join you guys on Sunday, but I'll settle for what I can get.

 

[diverbrian]

I will have a more full dive report in another thread, but I felt that some recent photos of the Col. Williams were in order here...

Keep in mind that visibility was good and not great. My skills as a photographer will need some work too. One day, I will actually learn to use that camera well.