Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: DUKE LUEDTKE (formerly ALPENA)
• Type: Tugboat
• Date of Incident: 1993
• Location: Avon Point, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 41° 41.630’ N, 81° 57.655’ W
• Depth: 70 feet (23 meters)
• Condition: Wreckage on the lakebed, exact condition unclear due to limited documentation.

Vessel Type Description

The DUKE LUEDTKE began its life as the steam-powered tug ALPENA, constructed in 1917 by the Great Lakes Towing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. With a length of 68 feet, the Tug was designed for robust towing operations. In 1957, the vessel was converted to diesel power, equipped with a 900-horsepower single-screw engine, reflecting the technological advancements of its era. The Conversion significantly enhanced its capabilities and ensured its continued use in towing and marine engineering tasks.

History

Service Life Highlights:

• 1917: Built as ALPENA for the Great Lakes Towing Company, Cleveland, Ohio. Initially employed in towing operations across the Great Lakes.
• 1945: Acquired by Merritt-Chapman and Scott Corporation, New York. Continued operations under its original name.
• 1957: Converted from steam to diesel propulsion, extending its operational life.
• 1966: Sold to General Piping Incorporated, Indianapolis, Indiana. Retained the name ALPENA.
• 1972: Purchased by Luedtke Engineering Company, Frankfort, Michigan, and renamed DUKE LUEDTKE. It served in engineering and towing roles under this ownership.

Final Incident:

In 1993, the DUKE LUEDTKE sank in Lake Erie near Avon Point. Details of the sinking, including the cause and circumstances, remain scarce. No casualties or environmental impacts were reported, but the loss marked the end of a vessel with a service life spanning over 75 years.

Final Disposition

The DUKE LUEDTKE now rests on the bottom of Lake Erie, at a depth of 70 feet. Despite its historical significance, the exact condition of the wreck is not well documented, leaving opportunities for further exploration and study.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the DUKE LUEDTKE wreck site. Divers and mariners should approach the area cautiously, given the potential hazards associated with submerged wreckage at this depth.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The wreck’s condition remains undetermined, as detailed surveys or recovery efforts have not been documented. The site may consist of intact portions of the Hull and scattered debris.

Accessibility: With a depth of 70 feet (23 meters), the wreck is accessible to recreational divers with appropriate training. Visibility and lake conditions may vary, influencing dive safety and exploration quality.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Towing Company historical records
• Merchant Vessel Lists
• Maritime logs and ownership registries
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships
• Erie Wrecks
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The DUKE LUEDTKE, with its origins as the steam Tug ALPENA in 1917, represents a century of Great Lakes maritime evolution. From its construction to its Conversion and eventual sinking in 1993, the Tug’s history mirrors the challenges and advancements of the industry. Today, its wreck near Avon Point offers a tangible connection to this legacy, inviting exploration and study by divers and maritime historians.

Tags

#DUKELUEDTKE #GreatLakes #LakeErie #Shipwrecks #Tugboat #MaritimeHistory #AvonPoint #UnderwaterExploration