Identification & Site Information

• Name: ANNIE LAURIE
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 105476
• Type at Loss: Propeller steam tug, wood-hulled
• Date Built and Launched: 1874
• Builder: E. Haight, Buffalo, New York
• Measurements: 84 ft (25.6 m) length, 15 ft (4.6 m) beam, 4 ft (1.2 m) depth; 31 gross tons, 22 net tons
• Date Lost: August 19, 1893
• Place of Loss: Near Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie

Vessel Type

Wooden Propeller Steam Tug

Description

The ANNIE LAURIE was a wooden steam tug built in Buffalo, New York, in 1874. Designed for towing and harbor work, she featured a propeller-driven, steam-powered engine typical of Great Lakes tugs of the late 19th century. The Tug’s modest size and shallow Draft made her ideal for maneuvering larger vessels in harbors and performing towing operations in nearshore waters.

History

Constructed by E. Haight in Buffalo, the ANNIE LAURIE served in various towing and harbor duties across the Great Lakes. By the time of her loss, she was owned by F.W. Bacon & Co., based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Tugs like the ANNIE LAURIE were essential to maritime commerce, assisting larger vessels in docking, navigating tight channels, and towing barges or disabled ships.

On August 19, 1893, while operating in Erie Harbor, the ANNIE LAURIE caught fire under circumstances not detailed in historical records. Fires were a common hazard for wooden steam vessels due to the combination of flammable materials and high-pressure steam engines. As the fire spread, the crew attempted to save the vessel by beaching her near the harbor entrance. Despite these efforts, the Tug ultimately sank about one mile off the harbor entrance. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

Final Disposition

Caught fire in Erie Harbor, was beached in an attempt to save her, but ultimately sank one mile off the entrance to the harbor on August 19, 1893.

Located By & Date Found

Nil—no confirmed reports of the wreck’s recovery or current location.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the ANNIE LAURIE wreck site near Erie, Pennsylvania.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Erie Maritime Museum

Conclusion

The loss of the ANNIE LAURIE in 1893 highlights the ever-present danger of fire aboard wooden steam vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Despite efforts to save the Tug by beaching her, the fire proved too severe, resulting in her sinking near Erie, Pennsylvania. While the Tug was not a large vessel, her role in assisting with harbor and towing operations made her a valuable asset to F.W. Bacon & Co. and the maritime activities of Lake Erie. Her story adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, underscoring the challenges faced by even the smallest vessels in an era of rapidly advancing technology.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: ANNIE LAURIE steam Tug, Erie Pennsylvania shipwreck, Lake Erie Tug fire, wooden propeller Tug, F.W. Bacon & Co., E. Haight Buffalo shipbuilding
• Categories: Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Steam Tugboat Losses, Fire-Related Shipwrecks, 19th Century Wooden Tugs, Erie Harbor Maritime History
• Glossary Terms:
• Steam Tug: A small, powerful vessel driven by steam engines, used for towing ships and barges, especially in harbors and nearshore areas.
• Beached: The intentional grounding of a vessel on a shore or shallow area in an attempt to prevent sinking.
• Propeller-Driven: Refers to vessels powered by screw propellers, a common form of propulsion for steam tugs in the 19th century.