William Lee (ship)

The William Lee was a wooden-hulled Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior on November 17, 1927, during a severe storm. Built in 1883 by the Globe Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio, the William Lee was a typical bulk carrier of its era, primarily used to transport iron ore, coal, and grain. At the time of her loss, she was owned by the G.A. Tomlinson Fleet.

The William Lee departed Duluth, Minnesota, bound for Cleveland, Ohio, carrying a load of iron ore. The ship encountered a fierce gale with hurricane-force winds and heavy seas. The storm overwhelmed the William Lee, and she foundered approximately 10 miles north of Outer Island in the Apostle Islands. All 22 crew members perished.

The wreck of the William Lee was discovered in 1988 by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society using side-scan sonar. The wreck lies in approximately 220 feet of water. The William Lee is now a popular dive site, though challenging due to its depth and the often-treacherous conditions of Lake Superior. The site is a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes and the power of Lake Superior storms.