Identification & Site Information

• Name: Tiger
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 24507
• Type at Loss: Propeller steam Tug, wooden
• Builder: Whitney Bros., Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Date Built: 1863
• Specifications: 63 x 11 x 7 feet (19.2 x 3.35 x 2.13 meters), 31 Gross Tonnage 
• Date of Loss: November 21, 1870
• Place of Loss: At Bay City, Michigan, on the Saginaw River
• Lake: Huron
• Type of Loss: Fire

Vessel Type & Description

The Tiger was a steam Tug built in 1863 by Whitney Bros. in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was originally constructed as a 65-ton Barge but was converted to steam in 1865, transforming it into a propeller steam Tug. These tugs were used for towing and pushing vessels through harbors and channels, often in shallow waters, where larger ships would have difficulty navigating.

The Tiger measured 63 feet (19.2 meters) in length, 11 feet (3.35 meters) in width, and had a depth of 7 feet (2.13 meters). With a Gross Tonnage of 31 tons, it was a relatively small but capable Tug for the period, powered by a steam engine and propeller for propulsion.

Final Voyage & Loss

On November 21, 1870, the Tiger was docked on the east side of the Saginaw River at Ballou’s dock in Bay City, Michigan, when a fire broke out. The fire caused the vessel to burn completely, resulting in a Total Loss of the Tug. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life associated with the fire.

After the fire, there were mentions in newspaper articles from December 1870 that the engine was removed from the wrecked Hull, indicating that some parts of the vessel may have been salvaged. The Tug was still listed in official records in 1871, suggesting that its Hull may have been recovered or repurposed in some manner.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Saginaw River: Mariners navigating the Saginaw River should be aware of the potential fire hazards near docks and ships, especially in cases of malfunctioning equipment or faulty fuel storage. Fire Hazards in Wooden Vessels: Given that the Tiger was a wooden Tug and caught fire at its dock, it highlights the vulnerability of wooden ships to fire, especially if they are not properly maintained or if flammable materials are stored improperly. Mariners should always exercise caution around vessels that may have been exposed to previous accidents or damage.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The loss of the steam Tug Tiger on November 21, 1870, at Bay City on the Saginaw River was a result of a fire that destroyed the vessel at its dock. Despite the Total Loss of the Tug, there were no casualties reported. The wreck was possibly recovered, and its engine was salvaged, which indicates that some parts of the vessel were of value and repurposed after the fire. The event serves as a reminder of the fire hazards faced by wooden vessels in the 19th century, especially near dockyards and while laying idle.

Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Steam tug, Saginaw River fire, Great Lakes fire hazards, 19th-century steam vessels, Bay City shipwreck

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 19th-century steam tugs, Great Lakes maritime history

Glossary Terms: Steam tug, Foundered, Fire, Dock, Salvage