Identification & Site Information

• Name: SAGINAW
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: C69524
• Date Built & Launched: 1873
• Builder: Port Huron Dry Dock Company (A. Stewart), Port Huron, Michigan
• Original Purpose: Built as a small car ferry
• Registration Number(s): C69524 (Canadian Registry)
• Measurements: Length: 142 ft (43.28 m) Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Tonnage: 365 tons

Vessel Type

The SAGINAW was a propeller-driven wrecking Tug, originally built as a small car Ferry but later converted to serve in wrecking and salvage operations. Her unique round-nosed design made her easily recognizable on the waters of the Detroit River.

Description

Constructed in 1873 at the Port Huron Dry Dock Company, under the supervision of A. Stewart, the SAGINAW was initially designed as a small car Ferry, reflecting the growing demand for Ferry services across the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Measuring 142 feet in length with a 26-foot beam and a 10-foot Draft, she was modestly sized for Ferry operations.

However, her design proved limited in usefulness, and by 1884, she was laid up, no longer actively serving her original purpose. In 1886, recognizing her potential for maritime support operations, she was converted into a wrecking Tug. This transformation involved significant structural modifications to improve her towing capacity and maneuverability, especially for salvage operations.

The SAGINAW’s most distinctive feature was her odd-looking round-nosed bow, which was unconventional compared to typical tugs of the era. This design, while unusual, likely provided stability and ease of positioning during wrecking tasks, making her well-suited for the challenging salvage conditions often encountered on the Great Lakes.

History

• 1873: Launched in Port Huron as a small car Ferry.
• 1873: Sold to Canadian ownership, transitioning from U.S. to Canadian service shortly after her construction.
• 1884: Laid up due to her limited effectiveness as a Ferry, highlighting the challenges faced by early car Ferry designs before the evolution of more specialized vessels.
• 1886: Underwent a major Conversion to a wrecking Tug, marking the start of her most notable service phase. In this new role, she became a well-known wrecker on the Detroit River, assisting with maritime salvage, towing, and recovery operations.

The SAGINAW played a vital role in supporting commercial shipping on the Detroit River, a heavily trafficked and often hazardous waterway connecting Lake Huron to Lake Erie. Her capabilities were critical in responding to shipwrecks, grounding incidents, and other maritime emergencies in the region.

Final Disposition

On May 6, 1892, while docked in Windsor, Ontario, the SAGINAW caught fire and was burned to the waterline. Although the fire caused extensive damage, there were no reported fatalities, and the crew likely evacuated safely.

Initially, the vessel was expected to be a Total Loss, as the estimated repair costs exceeded her insurance coverage. However, recognizing her value as a specialized wrecking Tug, her owners ultimately decided to recover and restore her, returning the SAGINAW to active service after repairs.

She continued operating as a wrecking Tug in the Detroit River area until she was finally broken up around 1940, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning nearly seven decades.

Located By & Date Found

Since the SAGINAW was recovered after the 1892 fire and returned to service, there is no wreck site associated with her loss. After being broken up around 1940, any remaining parts were likely scrapped, and no significant wreckage would remain today.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the SAGINAW, as she was not left as a submerged wreck.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database – Bowling Green State University 
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• [Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD)]
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit, MI

Conclusion

The SAGINAW’s evolution from a small car Ferry to a notable wrecking Tug highlights the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her unique design, long service life, and role in maritime salvage operations made her a familiar sight on the Detroit River. Despite being severely damaged by fire in 1892, she was restored and continued to serve for nearly 50 more years, a testament to both her durability and the essential services she provided to Great Lakes maritime commerce.