Identification & Site Information

• Name, Other Name: W.B. Castle, also known as William B. Castle.

• Official Number: 26860.

• Type: Propeller Steam Tug.

• Builder: Peck & Masters, Cleveland, Ohio.

• Year Built: 1862.

• Dimensions:

• Length: 115 feet (35.05 m).

• Beam: 21 feet (6.4 m).

• Depth: 11 feet (3.35 m).

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 173 tons.

• Net: 111 tons.

• Home Ports: Cleveland, Detroit, Port Huron, and St. Clair, Michigan.

Vessel Type Description

The W.B. Castle was a wooden-hulled steam Tug designed for navigating and assisting vessels on the Great Lakes. Built in 1862, the Tug underwent multiple rebuilds and modifications over its lifespan, including a significant Rebuild and double-decking in 1871. With its robust design and upgraded machinery, the W.B. Castle served various owners and played a critical role in towing and general operations on the Great Lakes.

History

Operational Career

The W.B. Castle had a long service history, spanning over four decades. It was used primarily for towing and other maritime tasks in the Great Lakes region. The Tug experienced various incidents and underwent numerous repairs and ownership changes, reflecting the demanding nature of its operations.

Ownership

Initially owned by A. Harmon and others in Cleveland, the Tug’s ownership passed through several prominent individuals and companies, including:

• R.J. Hackett.

• Eagle Transit Co..

• Philo E. Wright.

• A.N. Moffatt.

• Mary R. Inman.

• Henry Howard.

In its later years, it was owned by William Schaefer of St. Clair, Michigan.

Significant Incidents

1. November 1898: A fire in Duluth severely damaged the Tug, leading to substantial repairs.

2. November 1904: The W.B. Castle slid out of the water onto a clay riverbank due to a broken steering gear.

3. July 24, 1906: The final and most notable incident occurred when the W.B. Castle collided with the Steamer Robert Holland in the Detroit River above Belle Isle, near the Peche Island buoy. The collision caused the Tug to sink.

• Casualties: None; all eight crew members survived.

• Cargo: None at the time of the incident.

• The wreckage was later struck by multiple vessels, further destroying the remains. However, its machinery was salvaged.

Final Disposition

The W.B. Castle was declared a Total Loss after the collision with the Robert Holland in 1906. Although salvaged for machinery, the wreck’s remnants were destroyed after being struck by other vessels in the Detroit River.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the W.B. Castle. However, the area near Belle Isle in the Detroit River is a historical site of multiple shipwrecks, and mariners should exercise caution.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Conclusion

The W.B. Castle represents the resilience and utility of steam tugs in the 19th-century Great Lakes maritime industry. Despite a long service life marked by incidents and rebuilds, the Tug met its end in a tragic but non-fatal collision in 1906. The vessel’s history is a testament to the challenges and importance of such tugs in supporting the thriving shipping industry of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

W.B. Castle, William B. Castle, steam Tug, Detroit River shipwreck, Belle Isle, Great Lakes maritime history, Tugboat collisions, 19th-century shipping, Lake Erie, Lake Huron.