Shipwreck Report: Tug FERN

Identification & Site Information

• Name: FERN

• Type: Steam Screw Tug

• Gross Tonnage: 48 tons

• Net Tonnage: 35 tons

• Year Built: 1882

• Builder: Algonac, Michigan

• Home Port: Port Huron, Michigan

• Date of Incident: June 29, 1901

• Location: Off Eagle River, Lake Superior

Vessel Type Description

The FERN was a small but powerful steam screw Tug, designed to assist in towing and salvage operations. Built in Algonac, Michigan, in 1882, it served as a reliable workhorse for various tasks on the Great Lakes, including aiding distressed vessels and conducting salvage missions. With a Gross Tonnage of 48 tons, the FERN exemplified the sturdy design of utility tugs of the era.

History of the Incident

On June 29, 1901, while engaged in operations near Eagle River Reef in Lake Superior, the FERN tragically Foundered. The area, notorious for its hazardous navigation conditions, claimed the Tug and its entire crew of five, including Captain Hemenger of Algonac.

The loss of the FERN occurred during a period when Eagle River Reef had already earned a grim reputation as one of the most dangerous sites on Lake Superior. The reef had claimed 16 vessels in 16 years, including:

• Steamer J.H. PICKANDS (1894)

• Steamer COLORADO, which was lost during salvage operations conducted by the FERN

The FERN’s crew of five, including Captain Hemenger, perished in the incident, underscoring the dangers faced by those working to salvage vessels and assist navigation in perilous areas.

Final Disposition

The FERN sank off Eagle River Reef during salvage operations, with no survivors from its crew of five. The wreck remains lost, likely scattered along the lakebed near the reef. As a small utility vessel, its remains are presumed to be minimal and may be difficult to locate amidst other wreckage in the area.

Eagle River Reef

The reef, located near Eagle River on Lake Superior, was a notorious hazard for mariners during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The treacherous waters claimed numerous vessels, prompting concerns within the Lake Carriers’ Association about the urgent need for safety measures, such as:

• Improved navigation aids

• Chart updates

• Potential reef markings or warning systems

The FERN’s loss highlighted the ongoing risks for salvage crews and the broader shipping community operating in the area.

Legacy

The FERN’s story is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by salvage crews and the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes. The loss of the vessel and its crew brought increased attention to the dangers of Eagle River Reef, contributing to discussions about safety improvements among Great Lakes shipping operators.

Resources & Links

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

2. David Swayze Shipwreck Database

shipwrecks.com

3. Lake Carriers’ Association Archives

lcaships.com

Conclusion

The FERN was a small but vital vessel in Great Lakes shipping and salvage operations. Its loss, along with its brave crew, underscores the inherent dangers of working on the Great Lakes and highlights the ongoing need for improved navigational safety. Eagle River Reef remains a significant chapter in Lake Superior’s maritime history, symbolizing both tragedy and the resilience of those who navigated its waters.

Keywords

#TugFern #EagleRiverReef #LakeSuperiorShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesNavigation #LakeCarriersAssociation