Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: CLARENCE (also known as CLARENCE E)

• Type: Gas Propeller Fish Tug

• Year Built: 1930

• Builder: Bayfield, Wisconsin

• Dimensions:

• Length: 34 feet

• Beam (Width): 10 feet

• Depth: 5 feet

• Tonnage: 13 gross tons

• Final Voyage Date: June 30, 1938

• Location of Loss: Superior, Wisconsin, Lake Superior

• Cause of Loss: Fire resulting from an engine short circuit

• Crew Status: No casualties reported

Vessel Type Description

The CLARENCE was a small, gas-powered fish Tug designed specifically for fishing activities on Lake Superior. Fish tugs like the CLARENCE were integral to the fishing industry, used for hauling fishing gear, processing fish, and navigating the often-challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s size and design were well-suited to these tasks, allowing for efficient operations in nearshore and offshore environments.

History

The CLARENCE was constructed in 1930 at Bayfield, Wisconsin, and served the Bayfield Fish Company. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, the vessel played a critical role in supporting the local fishing industry. Its robust build and gas-powered engine provided the speed and reliability necessary for its operations, ensuring it could meet the demands of the bustling fisheries of Lake Superior.

The Fateful Day

• Incident Overview:

On June 30, 1938, as the crew prepared the vessel for a day of fishing, a short circuit occurred in the Tug’s engine during startup. This seemingly minor electrical issue triggered an explosion that quickly escalated into a full-blown fire.

• Fire’s Progression:

The flames spread rapidly throughout the vessel, overwhelming any attempts to extinguish the blaze. The wooden construction of the Tug and the presence of flammable materials likely contributed to the fire’s intensity.

• Outcome:

Despite the devastating fire, all crew members escaped unharmed. The CLARENCE, however, was completely consumed by the flames, burning down to the waterline. The fire left only charred remains, with no hope of salvaging the vessel.

Final Disposition

The CLARENCE was declared a Total Loss after the fire. Its remains were left in Superior, Wisconsin, marking the end of its service to the Bayfield Fish Company and the fishing industry it supported. The tragedy serves as a somber chapter in the history of fish tugs on Lake Superior.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the CLARENCE. The incident is primarily remembered through historical accounts and records.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the CLARENCE has not been located or documented through modern underwater surveys. Given the nature of the incident and the vessel’s total destruction, it is unlikely that significant remnants remain.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to the fire that consumed the vessel down to the waterline, the physical remains of the CLARENCE are presumed to be minimal, if present at all. The site, if identifiable, would offer little in terms of tangible artifacts or structural remnants.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival accounts of Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into Lake Superior’s conditions.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation of historic shipwrecks and losses.

Conclusion

The story of the CLARENCE is a poignant reminder of the risks associated with maritime industries, particularly in the early 20th century when safety measures were less robust. While the crew’s survival stands as a testament to their quick thinking and resilience, the loss of the vessel underscores the challenges faced by those who relied on fish tugs for their livelihood. The legacy of the CLARENCE serves as a symbol of the enduring spirit of those who navigated the often-unforgiving waters of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#CLARENCE #LakeSuperior #FishTug #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwreck #BayfieldFishCompany #VesselFire