Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: TECUMSEH
• Official Number: C103691
• Type at Loss: Propeller Tug (wood), fishing vessel
• Builder: Unknown (constructed at Providence Bay, Ontario)
• Year Built: 1895
• Specifications: Length: 37 ft (11.3 m) Beam: 9 ft (2.7 m) Depth: 3 ft (0.9 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 10
• Net Tonnage: 6
• Date Lost: May 2, 1901
• Cause: Engine and Hull failure, leading to foundering
• Place of Loss: 9 miles off Gore Bay, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• Loss of Life: 3 of 6 (including the skipper, his sister, and a passenger)

Vessel Type

The TECUMSEH was a small, wooden propeller-driven Tugboat primarily engaged in fishing operations. Such vessels were common throughout the Great Lakes in the late 19th century, serving as utility craft for towing, fishing, and light cargo duties.

Description

Built in 1895 at Providence Bay, Ontario, the TECUMSEH was a modestly sized Tug designed for work in the often challenging waters of Georgian Bay. Despite her small size, vessels like TECUMSEH were vital for local industries, particularly in supporting the regional fishing economy.

Owned by W.J. Berry of Providence Bay, TECUMSEH operated primarily around the Manitoulin Island region. The Tug was under the command of Captain John Wylie at the time of her loss. While the vessel’s earlier operational history remains largely undocumented, it is likely that she performed a mix of fishing-related tasks, light towing, and possibly transport of supplies between communities along the north shore of Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

On May 2, 1901, TECUMSEH encountered mechanical trouble while operating approximately 9 miles off Gore Bay in Georgian Bay. Her engine failed, leaving the vessel adrift. Fortunately, the Northern Navigation Company’s Steamer GERMANIC came upon the disabled Tug and took her under tow.

As GERMANIC attempted to bring the stricken vessel to safety, the crew of TECUMSEH began to signal frantically—indicating that the Tug was taking on water rapidly and in imminent danger of sinking. Despite quick action by the crew of GERMANIC to come about and render aid, TECUMSEH Foundered before all hands could be rescued.

Tragically, Captain John Wylie, his sister, and an unidentified passenger were lost in the sinking, while the remaining crew members were successfully rescued.

Interestingly, TECUMSEH appears on later vessel registries, suggesting she may have been recovered after the incident. However, no detailed accounts of her salvage or subsequent service have been found, leaving this an open question in her history.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Northern Navigation Company History
• Manitoulin Maritime Resources

Conclusion

The story of TECUMSEH is a reminder of the risks faced by small working vessels on the Great Lakes, even when help was close at hand. Despite the tragic loss of life, the rescue efforts by the GERMANIC highlight the camaraderie and readiness of mariners to aid each other in distress. The mystery surrounding the vessel’s possible recovery adds an intriguing postscript to her brief but eventful service life.