Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): W.E. Gladstone, later renamed Ann Long
- Registry: Canada
- Official Number: 78026
- Vessel Type: Tug
- Year Built: 1881
- Year Sank: 1908
- Hull Material: Wood
- Engines: Single Expansion Steam Engine
Dimensions:
- Length: 72 ft (21.9 m)
- Width: 16 ft (4.9 m)
- Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
Vessel Type
The W.E. Gladstone was a wooden-hulled Tugboat designed for towing, pushing, or assisting larger vessels in manoeuvring, a vital role in the bustling commerce of the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1881, the W.E. Gladstone (later known as Ann Long) served for nearly three decades, performing critical Tug operations in the Great Lakes region. Tugboats like the Gladstone were indispensable for navigating treacherous waters, assisting freighters, and ensuring safe passage in busy harbours and narrow channels.
The vessel sank in 1908 in Lake Huron, off the coast of Ontario. Historical records do not specify the exact circumstances of its loss, but it likely succumbed to a combination of age, structural issues, or adverse weather conditions, as was common with many wooden vessels of the time.
Final Dispositions
The wreck lies in 20 ft (6.1 m) of water. Only portions of the bottom and one side of the ship remain visible, along with a part of the vessel’s stack. A long water intake pipe crosses the site, which can be mistaken for part of the wreck. The remnants are sparse but offer a tangible connection to the vessel’s operational history.
Located By & Date Found
The W.E. Gladstone wreck site has been documented as part of the preservation and study of Great Lakes maritime heritage. Its shallow depth makes it a manageable site for recreational divers and historians.
NOTMARs & Advisories
The wreck site is in shallow water and easily accessible to snorkelers and divers. However, the remains are minimal and should be respected to prevent further degradation. The presence of the shoreline water intake pipe may confuse visitors unfamiliar with the site.
Resources & Links
3D Model W.E. Gladstone
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: W.E. Gladstone, Ann Long, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Ontario Shipwrecks, Tugboat
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Wooden Tugboats
Glossary: Tugboat, Single Expansion Engine, Stack, Water Intake Pipe
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