IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• • Vessel Name: Cayuga
• • Vessel Type: Propeller Steam Tug
• • Year Built: 1864
• • Builder: Geneva, New York
• • Dimensions: Approximately 43 gross tons
• • Engine: single-cylinder, single propeller
• • Last Registered Port: East Saginaw, Michigan
• • Wreck Location: East Saginaw, Michigan, Lake Huron
• • Depth: Unknown
• • Current Condition: Total Loss due to fire in 1866

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Cayuga was a wooden propeller-driven steam Tug, a vital component of Great Lakes maritime operations in the mid-19th century. Steam tugs like the Cayuga were indispensable for towing larger vessels, assisting in navigation, and providing harbor services. The vessel’s robust construction and reliable steam power allowed it to handle the rigorous demands of towing and emergency operations along Lake Huron.

HISTORY

The Cayuga was constructed in 1864 in Geneva, New York. Designed for durability, the Tug operated on the Great Lakes, primarily on Lake Huron, assisting larger vessels and facilitating commerce. Its role was essential in a period when shipping on the Great Lakes was rapidly expanding and often challenged by unpredictable weather and Navigation Hazards.

In 1866, tragedy struck the Cayuga while docked in East Saginaw, Michigan. A fire broke out onboard, spreading quickly due to the wooden structure of the vessel. Despite firefighting efforts, the flames engulfed the Tug, leading to its complete destruction. Fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed, and there were no injuries reported. The vessel was not carrying cargo at the time, which helped prevent further damage or fatalities.

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden steam-powered vessels, where fires could escalate quickly and prove catastrophic. The loss of the Cayuga serves as a reminder of the hazardous conditions faced by Great Lakes vessels and their crews.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Cayuga was destroyed by fire in 1866 while docked in East Saginaw, Michigan. The fire rendered the vessel a Total Loss, and no attempts were made to salvage or Rebuild it. The destruction of the Cayuga marked the end of its short but impactful service.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The remains of the Cayuga have not been located. The fire likely reduced the vessel to minimal remnants, and any surviving wreckage may have been cleared or deteriorated over time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Cayuga. The area near East Saginaw has seen significant maritime activity, and caution is advised for historical wreck sites.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Cayuga has not been identified, and it is unlikely that significant remains exist. The wooden structure and the nature of its destruction by fire suggest that any remnants would be heavily deteriorated or lost.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

CONCLUSION

The Cayuga’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by wooden steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes. Though its service was brief, it played a vital role in supporting maritime commerce on Lake Huron. The fire that led to its destruction in 1866underscores the dangers of early Steamship operations and highlights the resilience and bravery of those who worked aboard these vessels. While the physical remains of the Cayuga may be lost, its legacy lives on as a chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

Cayuga steam Tug, Lake Huron shipwreck, East Saginaw Michigan, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century Tugboat, wooden vessel fire

GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO

No specific GPS coordinates are available for the Cayuga’s wreck site. Further research or exploration may provide insights into its final location or remaining artifacts. Maritime historians and enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor developments in shipwreck documentation and research for updates.