Shipwreck Report: Witch (1904–1929)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Witch
• Official Number: 200646
• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
• Built: 1904, by J. Urie, Bay City, Michigan
• Final Location: Mouth of Saginaw River, Lake Huron
• Date Lost: September 12, 1929
• •Cause: Fire
• Specifications
  •  Hull Material: Wood
  •  Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)
  •  Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
  •  Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
• •Gross Tonnage: 44 gross
• Net Tonnage 17 net tons

Operational History

The Witch was built in 1904 in Bay City, Michigan, by shipbuilder J. Urie. It was modeled after the earlier Tug Witch of the West and used her recovered engine and machinery. The Tug operated primarily on the Saginaw River and Lake Huron, likely serving industrial and shipping interests in the region.

Final Loss (1929)

On September 12, 1929, the Witch caught fire at the mouth of the Saginaw River near the outer range light. The fire quickly consumed the wooden vessel, and it burned to a Total Loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it may have been due to engine malfunction, a spark from the boiler, or an onboard accident.

Wreck Site and Potential Remains

• Original Wreck Location: Mouth of Saginaw River, Lake Huron
• Current Status: Unknown (likely removed or deteriorated over time)
• Potential for Discovery:
  • Since wooden tugs were often salvaged, any remaining wreckage may be minimal.
• If parts of the Hull remain, they would likely be buried in the sediment near the river mouth.
  • The engine and boiler may still exist on the lakebed if they were not recovered.

Legacy and Influence

A Successor to Witch of the West The Witch was built as a near-replica of the earlier Witch of the West, a testament to the success of the original design.  It even used the machinery from Witch of the West, making it a direct descendant of one of the Great Lakes’ most influential tugboats.

A Working Vessel with a Long Service Life  The Tug served for 25 years, enduring harsh conditions on the Great Lakes before meeting its fate.

The Final Witch  Unlike its predecessor, which was copied and inspired future tugs, the Witch was the last in its line. Its loss marked the end of an era for wooden steam tugs in the Saginaw region.

Further Research and Resources

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database – Information on Witch and other Great Lakes tugboats.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Saginaw River Marine Historical Society – Possible records on vessel remains in Bay City.

Conclusion

The Witch was a faithful successor to the famous Witch of the West, carrying on its legacy on the Great Lakes for a quarter-century. Its destruction by fire in 1929 marked the end of its service, and likely, the last of its design lineage.

While its wreck remains undiscovered, its legacy as an influential Tug on the Saginaw River and Lake Huron remains notable. 🚢🔥