IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Tugboat COLUMBUS (originally John Owen)

• Official Number: Originally N/A, later changed to C117039 in 1907

• Vessel Type: Steam Tugboat

• Built: March 7, 1874, by Detroit Dry Dock Company, Detroit, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 136.2 feet (41.5 meters)

• Beam: 25.2 feet (7.7 meters)

• Tonnage: 328.34 gross tons

• Engine: For-and-aft compound steam engine by Christie & McGrath, Detroit

• horsepower: 370 HP

• Propulsion: Screw

• Last Registered Port: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

• Wreck Location: Gargantua Harbor, Lake Superior, Ontario

• Final Depth: Shallow waters, with parts of the engine still protruding above the surface

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The COLUMBUS was a steam-powered Tugboat, originally designed for towing and assistance in the bustling Great Lakes maritime industry. Tugboats like the COLUMBUS were integral to guiding larger ships into ports, rescuing vessels in distress, and moving freight barges. Its robust construction, combined with its powerful 370-horsepower engine, made it a versatile and reliable workhorse of its time.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Years

The vessel began its life as the John Owen, built in 1874 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company, one of the premier Shipyards of the era. Commissioned by J.E. Owen of Detroit, the Tugboat was an advanced piece of engineering, equipped with a compound steam engine that allowed for precise and powerful navigation. Measuring 136.2 feet in length and 25.2 feet in width, the John Owen was well-suited for the demands of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

Ownership Changes and Renaming

The Tugboat underwent repairs and changes in ownership over the years. In 1907, it was renamed COLUMBUS and registered under a new official number, C117039. The Ganley Tug Line of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, became its new owner, recognizing the vessel’s continued value in towing and maritime operations across the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Fire at Gargantua Harbor

On September 10, 1909, tragedy struck when the COLUMBUS caught fire while docked at Gargantua Harbor on Lake Superior. The flames spread rapidly, consuming the wooden Hull and leaving the crew with little time to act. To prevent further damage to the dock, the vessel was cut loose and allowed to drift into the bay.

The fire ultimately claimed the Tugboat, and it sank beneath the waters of Lake Superior. While the vessel was lost, no casualties were reported, and the crew escaped safely.

Remnants Above the Water

The engine of the COLUMBUS remains visible above the surface of Lake Superior, standing as a poignant reminder of the Tugboat’s history and its fiery demise. The wreck has become a historical point of interest for divers and maritime historians.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the wreck of the COLUMBUS. However, the visible remains of the engine in Gargantua Harbor serve as a natural marker and potential navigational caution.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Documentation of vessels like the COLUMBUS that shaped the region’s maritime trade.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive records on shipwrecks across the Great Lakes, including the COLUMBUS.

• Diving Sites of Lake Superior: Resources for divers exploring historical wrecks like the COLUMBUS.

CONCLUSION

The story of the Tugboat COLUMBUS reflects the ingenuity, resilience, and risks associated with maritime ventures in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From its origins as the John Owen, a marvel of engineering in its time, to its tragic destruction by fire in Gargantua Harbor, the vessel’s legacy continues to captivate historians and maritime enthusiasts. The visible engine, a remnant of its past glory, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Great Lakes’ maritime history.

KEYWORDS

#TugboatColumbus #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeSuperiorWrecks #GargantuaHarbor #GreatLakesHistory #MaritimeHeritage