Identification & Site Information: Henry Gust

• Name: Henry Gust
• Registry Number: Not specified
• Date Built: 1893
• Builder: Constructed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Measurements: Small Tug; exact dimensions not provided
• Date Lost: After approximately 40 years of service, likely in the 1930s
• Final Disposition: Burned and Abandoned in Lake Michigan

Vessel Type

Small wooden Tugboat, designed for towing and general utility tasks in harbours and nearshore areas.

Description

The Henry Gust was a small but sturdy Tugboat constructed in Milwaukee in 1893. Built during a period of rapid industrial growth in the Great Lakes region, the vessel served for over four decades, primarily operating on Lake Michigan. Tugs like the Henry Gust were vital for towing larger vessels, assisting in docking operations, and providing salvage services.

After decades of service, the Henry Gust became too costly and difficult to maintain due to age and wear. As was common at the time, the vessel was deliberately set ablaze and Abandoned in the lake—a practice used to avoid further maintenance costs or disposal issues.

Today, the remains of the Henry Gust rest on its side in Lake Michigan. Notable features still visible on the wreck include its fantail Stern, a rounded design characteristic of many tugs, and its boiler, a vital component of its steam-powered propulsion system. The wreck serves as a snapshot of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the lifecycle of small utility vessels in the region.

Final Dispositions

The burning and abandonment of aging vessels like the Henry Gust were common practices in the early 20th century, reflecting a lack of environmental regulations and the high costs of alternative disposal methods. The wreck now provides an opportunity for divers to explore and learn about historical Tugboat design and operation.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck lies in Lake Michigan; depth and exact location are not specified. Diving conditions depend on weather and underwater Visibility, which can vary in Lake Michigan. The wreck poses no significant navigational hazards.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – For historical references to tugboats like the Henry Gust.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks – Information on preservation and wreck diving.
• NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage – Insights into Wisconsin’s maritime history and shipwrecks.

3D Model

Tug Henry Gust (Built 1893) (2022 Model) by Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast NMS on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The Henry Gust is an enduring relic of the Great Lakes’ working vessels, symbolizing the essential role of tugs in regional commerce and navigation. While its intentional scuttling marked the end of its functional life, its remains continue to tell a story of industry, utility, and maritime culture.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: Henry Gust, Lake Michigan, Tugboat, shipwreck, Milwaukee-built vessel, fantail Stern, boiler

• Categories: Tugboats, Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime History

• Glossary Terms:

• Fantail Stern: A rounded Stern design often seen on tugboats for manoeuvrability.

• Boiler: The steam-generating component used to power a Steamship.

• Scuttling: The deliberate sinking or abandonment of a vessel.