Shipwreck Report: SILVER SPRAY

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: SILVER SPRAY

• Type: Tugboat

• Location: Scammon Cove, Drummond Island, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: 45º 56.923’ N, 83º 37.922’ W

• Depth: 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters)

• Dimensions:

• Length: 55 feet (17 meters)

• Beam: 15.8 feet (4.8 meters)

• Hull Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 38 tons

VESSEL HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

• Year Built: 1895

• Builder: F.W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, MI

• Initial Owner: Henry Corcan of Eagle Harbor, MI

• Original Home Port: Marquette, MI

• Service Role: Likely served as a towing vessel on Lake Superior, assisting in shipping and industrial activities.

Later Ownership and Use

• 1925–1939:

• Ownership transferred to the Kreetan Company of Drummond Island.

• The Tug supported the company’s operations at Johnswood near Scammon Cove, primarily in the lumber industry.

• Financial Decline: The Kreetan Company faced financial difficulties and eventually went out of business.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Abandonment and Wrecking

• Date Abandoned: Likely before 1939, though still officially listed as active until then.

• Location: Near Meade Island on the western side of Scammon Cove.

Current Condition

• The lower Hull remains intact, offering insight into the vessel’s robust wooden construction.

• The upper Deck and cabin structure have disintegrated over time.

• The engine has been salvaged, leaving only the boiler behind as a testament to her former power.

DIVE & SNORKEL INFORMATION

• Accessibility:

• The wreck is situated in shallow water, making it easily accessible to snorkelers and novice divers.

• The site provides an excellent opportunity for exploring a historical vessel in relatively clear and calm conditions.

• Depth Range: 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters).

SIGNIFICANCE IN MARITIME HISTORY

The SILVER SPRAY represents a bygone era of Great Lakes shipping and Tugboat operations, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a vessel that served both in towing operations and the lumber trade, it played a role in the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.

Its abandonment and eventual submersion highlight the economic struggles faced by companies like Kreetan during this time, marking a shift in the region’s maritime and industrial landscape.

CURRENT SITE PRESERVATION

• The wreck is gradually being reclaimed by nature, with marine life establishing a habitat within the remains of the Hull.

• The boiler, as the most prominent feature left, serves as a focal point for exploration and documentation.

TAGS

#SilverSpray #DrummondIsland #ScammonCove #LakeHuronShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #TugboatWreck

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Visit Drummond Island: Explore the island’s attractions, including maritime history and natural beauty.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: For further information on the SILVER SPRAY and similar wrecks.

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the SILVER SPRAY provides an accessible and intriguing dive/snorkel site for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Its story offers a snapshot of Great Lakes maritime life and the challenges faced by vessels in the lumber and towing industries during the early 20th century. As it lies silently beneath the waters of Scammon Cove, the SILVER SPRAY continues to captivate those who seek to uncover the stories of the Great Lakes’ past.