Identification & Site Information

• Name: Allegheny
• Former Names: Built as Navy Tug ATA-179, later renamed Malcolm in 1979
• Official Number: 518191
• Date Built and Launched: 1944
• Builder: Levingston Shipbuilding, Orange, Texas
• Vessel Type: Steel Motor Vessel (originally a sea-going Naval Tug, later a training vessel)
• Hull Material: Steel
• Measurements:
• Length: 143 ft (43.6 m)
• Tonnage: 900 tons
• Date Lost: January 27, 1978
• Place of Loss: Traverse City, Michigan
• Lake: Lake Michigan
• Type of Loss: Capsized due to ice accumulation
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: None

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Vessel Type: Originally built as a sea-going Naval Tug (ATA-179), the Allegheny was later converted into a training vessel for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Her robust steel construction reflected her military origins, while later modifications adapted her for educational purposes.

Description: Constructed in 1944 by Levingston Shipbuilding in Orange, Texas, the vessel began her life as ATA-179, a Naval Auxiliary Tug, Rescue-Class designed for sea-going towing and salvage operations during World War II. With a length of 143 feet (43.6 m) and a displacement of 900 tons, she was built for resilience in open waters.

In December 1968, the vessel was acquired by the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, and repurposed as a training ship. This new role involved hands-on maritime education for cadets, offering practical experience in navigation, ship handling, and marine engineering on the Great Lakes.

History:

• 1944: Launched as ATA-179 and served as a Naval Tug during World War II, performing towing and salvage operations.
• Post-War: Decommissioned from military service and eventually transferred to civilian ownership.
• 1968: Acquired by the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, renamed Allegheny, and converted into a training vessel for maritime cadets.

During her time with the academy, the Allegheny provided essential maritime training to future Great Lakes mariners, becoming a familiar sight in Traverse City and other ports around Lake Michigan.

Final Incident and Loss:
On January 27, 1978, while docked for the winter in Traverse City, the Allegheny succumbed to the weight of accumulated ice, causing her to capsize at her dock. The vessel was not in active service at the time, and no crew members were aboard, resulting in no loss of life.

The vessel was later recovered, but the damage from the incident was extensive. The cost of repairs proved prohibitive, leading to the decision to sell the vessel rather than invest in a full Rebuild.

Post-Recovery Fate:
After her recovery and sale, the vessel was renamed Malcolm in 1979. Details of her subsequent service or final disposition are limited, but her role as a former naval Tug and training vessel remains part of Great Lakes maritime history.

Final Disposition:
The vessel was recovered after capsizing but was sold due to the high cost of necessary repairs. Further details on her later service under the name Malcolm are limited.

Located By & Date Found:
Not applicable; the vessel was recovered shortly after the incident.

NOTMARs & Advisories:
No current navigational hazards are associated with this vessel in Traverse City, Michigan.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Great Lakes Maritime Academy
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

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Conclusion

The Allegheny‘s history reflects a dynamic career that spanned military service during World War II and educational training on the Great Lakes. Originally built as a Naval Tug (ATA-179), she later served as a vital training vessel for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Her capsizing in 1978 due to ice accumulation highlights the persistent challenges of operating vessels in harsh Great Lakes winters. Although later sold and renamed Malcolm, her contributions to both military and maritime education remain a notable part of Great Lakes maritime history.

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Keywords: Naval Tug, Training Vessel, Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Ice Damage, Traverse City, Lake Michigan Shipwreck
Categories: Great Lakes Training Vessels, Naval Auxiliary Tugs, 20th Century Maritime History
Glossary Terms: Capsizing, Ice Accumulation, Naval Tug, Training Ship