Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Arbutus

• Type: Propeller Steam Tug

• Built: 1887 by W. McDonnell in Wallaceburg, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters)

• Beam: 15 feet (4.6 meters)

• Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 49 tons

• Net Tonnage: 34 tons

• Propulsion: Single high-pressure steam engine with one cylinder and a screw propeller

• Final Location: Lake Superior, near Deer Park, Michigan (approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Marais)

• Date of Sinking: November 24, 1921

Vessel Type Description:

The Arbutus was a steam-powered Tugboat, a versatile vessel designed for towing and other support roles in harbors and along waterways. Its compact size and powerful propulsion made it ideal for navigating the often-challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Built for durability, the Arbutus was used for a variety of tasks, from assisting larger ships to transporting cargo.

History:

Construction and Early Years:

The Arbutus was constructed in 1887 in Wallaceburg, Ontario, for William Patterson, a local businessman. Initially valued at $6,000, the vessel quickly became a staple in the area’s maritime activities.

In 1891, the Arbutus suffered a devastating fire while docked in Wallaceburg. Although significantly damaged, the vessel was repaired and returned to service, highlighting its owners’ dedication to maintaining this critical asset.

Ownership and Service Life:

Over its long operational life, the Arbutus changed ownership multiple times:

• 1895: Owned by R. Chapman of Lion’s Head, Ontario

• 1901: Owned by W. Vandusen of Lion’s Head

• 1917: Acquired by the Central Contracting Co. of Fort William, Ontario

• 1921: Purchased by S. Wright of Port Arthur

The vessel’s diverse ownership reflects its adaptability and the economic demands of the Great Lakes region.

Final Incident and Sinking:

On November 24, 1921, the Arbutus Foundered in Lake Superior during a storm near Deer Park, Michigan. At the time, the vessel was en route from The Canadian Soo to Marquette, escorted by a U.S. Revenue Cutter. The Tug had been detained for its role in rumrunning during Prohibition. Its crew was under arrest, and the vessel was being returned to its mortgage holder.

Despite the presence of the escort, the Arbutus succumbed to the rough waters, sinking while the Cutter observed from nearby. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties in the incident.

Final Disposition:

The wreck of the Arbutus lies in Lake Superior’s cold waters, likely preserved due to the lake’s low temperatures and freshwater environment. Its exact location remains undocumented, and no salvage attempts have been recorded.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the wreck of the Arbutus.

Located By & Date:

The wreck’s exact position has not been discovered or surveyed. Its final resting place, approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Marais, remains a point of interest for researchers and divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is likely well-preserved due to the cold, deep waters of Lake Superior. Its small size and age may make it difficult to locate without advanced sonar equipment.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival data on Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive details on shipwrecks, including the Arbutus.

3. Northern Winds Magazine: Historical accounts of rumrunning and maritime activities on Lake Superior.

4. Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on vessels operating in the Great Lakes region.

Conclusion:

The Arbutus was a resilient and adaptable steam Tug that served the Great Lakes for over three decades. Its final chapter as a vessel caught in the crossfire of Prohibition-era rumrunning adds an element of intrigue to its story. The vessel’s loss in 1921 during an escorted journey highlights the unforgiving nature of Lake Superior, even for experienced operators. Today, the Arbutus is remembered as a piece of Great Lakes maritime history and a symbol of the region’s dynamic and perilous waterways.

Keywords:

#Arbutus #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #SteamTug #ProhibitionRumrunning #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #ShipwreckResearch #LakeSuperiorWreck

Glossary:

• Rumrunning: The illegal transport of alcohol during Prohibition (1920–1933).

• high-pressure steam engine: A type of steam engine known for its efficiency and power, commonly used in maritime vessels of the time.

• Revenue Cutter: A U.S. government vessel tasked with enforcing customs and navigation laws, often involved in Prohibition enforcement.