Identification & Site Information

•Name: ANZAC (also referred to as ANZAC K)

•Type: Tug (possibly a fish Tug)

•Weight: Approximately 9 tons

•Date of Incident: May 6, 1947

•Location of Incident: 18 miles southeast of Port Burwell, Ontario, Lake Erie

•Condition: Burned and lost to fire near the base of Long Point; fragments remain

•Recovered Location: Derelict fish Tug found at Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory, Ontario

•Status: Derelict and largely unaccounted for in terms of exact recovery history

Vessel Type Description

The ANZAC, potentially a fish Tug, was a small vessel designed for utility purposes, such as fishing or towing. Vessels of this type were common on the Great Lakes, often used by smaller operations for their adaptability and efficiency. Despite its modest size of 9 tons, the ANZAC played a role in Lake Erie’s dynamic maritime industry.

History

The ANZAC met its end on May 6, 1947, after catching fire while operating on Lake Erie, 18 miles southeast of Port Burwell, Ontario. The cause of the fire remains undocumented, and there are no records of loss of life or details regarding the cargo at the time of the incident.

The vessel burned near the base of Long Point, a region known for maritime hazards, leaving behind only remnants. This event was significant enough to be recorded in historical accounts, although comprehensive details about the vessel’s origins and specifications remain elusive.

Recovered Vessel

A vessel matching the description of the ANZAC K is currently located as a derelict fish Tug in Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory, Ontario. How this vessel came to rest there after its reported loss in Lake Erie remains a mystery, with no available records detailing its recovery or subsequent movement.

Final Disposition

The ANZAC was declared a Total Loss due to the fire. The fragments left behind near Long Point suggest the vessel’s operational history ended in Lake Erie. The derelict vessel now in Tobermory adds a layer of intrigue to its story, underscoring the gaps in historical records.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the ANZAC wreck site. However, caution is advised near Long Point due to its historical reputation for hazards.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Data

2.Harmony Acres Campground – Facebook: Community history and local information

Keywords

ANZAC, ANZAC K, fish Tug, Lake Erie, Port Burwell, Long Point, maritime history, derelict vessel, Tobermory, Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The story of the ANZAC reflects the challenges faced by smaller utility vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Its loss to fire in 1947 near Long Point remains a mystery, compounded by the presence of a derelict vessel in Tobermory that shares its name. The absence of detailed records highlights the need for continued research into the histories of smaller Great Lakes vessels, ensuring their contributions to maritime history are not forgotten.