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Wreck Report: Tugboat KILARNEY

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: KILARNEY

• Feature Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

• Coordinates:

• Primary Position: Latitude 42° 09’ 30” N, Longitude 81° 14’ 36” W

• Secondary Position: Latitude 42° 08’ 00” N, Longitude 81° 20’ 00” W

• Location: Lake Erie, near the coordinates provided

• Depth: Approximately 72 feet (22 meters)

• Sounding Type: Not specified

• Year Sunk: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The KILARNEY was a steel-hulled Tugboat built in 1929, measuring 91.5 feet in length, 22 feet in beam (width), and 10 feet in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 176 tons. Tugboats like the KILARNEY were designed for towing and maneuvering other vessels, making them indispensable for harbor and coastal operations.

History

The KILARNEY was owned by the Gaelic Tugboat Co., based in Grosse Ile, Michigan. It served as a durable and reliable vessel for decades before its sinking, although the specific circumstances surrounding its loss remain undocumented.

The vessel’s sinking is marked by inconsistent positions recorded in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM):

• LNM 61/74: Latitude 42° 08’ 00” N, Longitude 81° 20’ 00” W

• LNM 62/74: Latitude 42° 09’ 30” N, Longitude 81° 14’ 36” W

The discrepancy may indicate movement of the wreck after sinking or the existence of multiple sections of the wreckage spread across the lakebed. Despite these uncertainties, the KILARNEY has been identified as a significant hazard to navigation in Lake Erie.

Final Disposition

The KILARNEY lies submerged at a depth of 72 feet (22 meters). While the exact cause of its sinking is unclear, the wreck remains a navigational hazard, with its location noted on nautical charts to ensure mariners’ safety.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• The Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) highlights the KILARNEY as a hazard to surface navigation.

• Mariners are advised to exercise caution near the recorded coordinates, given the potential for inaccuracies or spread of the wreckage.

Located By & Date

The KILARNEY was documented in LNM 61/74 and LNM 62/74, ensuring its position was charted to warn mariners. Further surveys are required to confirm its precise location and condition.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• The wreck is submerged at a depth of 72 feet, accessible to divers.

• The condition of the wreck is not described in detail, but it is identified as a navigation hazard.

• Divers should approach with caution due to the potential spread of wreckage and its proximity to navigable waters.

Survey Requirements

A comprehensive survey is required, covering a 1,000-meter radius around the coordinates. This survey will help clarify:

1. The wreck’s exact location.

2. Its current condition.

3. Any associated risks to navigation.

Resources & Links

• NOAA Nautical Charts: NOAA Charts

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Maritime History

Tags

#GreatLakesShipwrecks

#LakeErie

#Tugboat

#MaritimeHistory

#ShipwreckResearch

#NavigationHazard

Conclusion

The KILARNEY, built in 1929, highlights the risks faced by working vessels on the Great Lakes. Its sinking in Lake Erie—under circumstances yet unknown—has made it a navigational hazard requiring precise documentation. The inconsistent reported positions emphasize the need for a thorough survey to ensure safety and to uncover more about this steel Tugboat’s story. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maritime operations, even for durable and reliable vessels like the KILARNEY.