Identification & Site Information

•  Name: Rudolph Wetzel
• Former Names: None
• Official Registration Number: 21944
• Date Built and Launched: Built in 1870 by George Notter, Buffalo, New York
• Measurements: 23 tons
• Date Lost: October 28, 1882
• Place of Loss: 3 miles off Oak Creek, Wisconsin
• Lake: Lake Michigan

Vessel Type

The Rudolph Wetzel was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven steam tug, primarily used for towing duties in and around the ports of Lake Michigan.

Description

Launched in 1870, the Rudolph Wetzel was a small but robust steam tug built to support shipping operations by towing larger vessels in and out of harbours. Tugs like the Rudolph Wetzel played a crucial role in the bustling maritime commerce of the Great Lakes, particularly in ports like Racine, Wisconsin, where the vessel was based under the ownership and command of Captain Frank F. Lovell.

History

The Rudolph Wetzel served as a hardworking Tugboat out of Racine, Wisconsin, operating along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. Steam tugs were essential in the late 19th century for maneuvering larger vessels in busy harbors, salvaging stranded ships, and even competing for lucrative towing contracts.

On October 28, 1882, the Rudolph Wetzel was engaged in such a competition, reportedly racing alongside the Tug Henry S. Sill to secure a towing job. During the race, the Rudolph Wetzel’s boiler exploded violently, causing the vessel to sink rapidly in 7 fathoms (42 ft / 12.8 m) of water, approximately 3 miles off Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The explosion claimed the lives of all three crew members aboard, including Captain Lovell.

The Tug Henry S. Sill, which had been alongside the Rudolph Wetzel at the time of the explosion, was unable to assist in time to prevent the tragedy. Boiler explosions were not uncommon in steam vessels of the era, often resulting from over-pressurization, poor maintenance, or hurried operations—particularly in high-stress scenarios like towing races.

While some sources suggest that the Rudolph Wetzel may have been recovered after the incident, its inclusion in the Merchant Vessel List as late as 1884 contrasts with its absence from other directories, such as Polk’s Marine Directory. The last known registration document for the vessel was issued in April 1877, and there are no definitive records of her returning to service after the explosion.

Final Disposition

The Rudolph Wetzel sank following a boiler explosion off Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on October 28, 1882. The vessel was presumed a Total Loss, though conflicting reports suggest she may have been recovered. There is no evidence of her returning to active service.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the Rudolph Wetzel have been issued.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime Database
• Wikipedia – Racine, Oak Creek
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
•  David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The tragic loss of the Rudolph Wetzel highlights the inherent dangers of steam-powered navigation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Boiler explosions were a frequent and deadly hazard, especially in the competitive world of towing, where speed and efficiency were often prioritized over safety. The vessel’s sudden destruction and the loss of all hands serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by mariners during this era. Whether or not the vessel was recovered, her story remains an important chapter in the maritime history of Lake Michigan.

Suggested Keywords: Rudolph Wetzel, Oak Creek shipwrecks, Lake Michigan steam tugs, boiler explosion shipwreck, Racine maritime history, Great Lakes towing vessels.

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Steam Tug Explosions.

Glossary Terms: Propeller Steam Tug, Boiler Explosion, Towing Competition, Total Loss Shipwreck, Great Lakes Steam Navigation.