Propeller Tug Two Sisters (a.k.a. Twin Sisters)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Two Sisters (also recorded as Twin Sisters)
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 212527
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden propeller Tug (originally built as a fishing Tug)
• Builder: St. James, Michigan
• Year Built & Launched: 1914
• Specifications:  Length: 44 ft (13.4 m)  Beam: 14 ft (4.3 m) Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 16 GT
  • Net Tonnage: 8 NT
• Date Lost: August 30, 1921
• Location of Loss: Tonawanda Creek, Lake Erie
• Cause of Loss: Fire (caused by lightning strike)
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: None (under repair at dock)

Vessel Description & History

The Two Sisters was a small wooden fishing Tug, built in 1914 in St. James, Michigan. She was originally owned by Ira Rose of Dunkirk, New York, and operated in commercial fishing on the Great Lakes.

Later in her career, she was converted for use as a general-purpose Tugboat and was acquired by Cowles Shipyard Co. of Buffalo, New York. By 1920, she was out of active service and undergoing repairs, with the intention of returning to work in 1921.

Final Incident & Loss

On August 30, 1921, while Two Sisters was undergoing final repairs at the dock in Tonawanda Creek, a lightning strike ignited a fire near her location. The fire spread rapidly, consuming the wooden vessel.

Due to her position at the dock, firefighters were unable to effectively combat the flames, and she burned to the waterline.

The Tug Doughboy, which was moored alongside her, also caught fire and was destroyed in the same incident.

Fortunately, no lives were lost.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Total Loss; burned to the waterline.
• No record of salvage or recovery.
• No modern discovery of wreckage.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed discovery of wreckage.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known navigational hazards related to this vessel exist today.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Two Sisters was a small yet hardworking fishing Tug that later became a harbor Tug before her destruction by fire in 1921. Despite efforts to restore her to service, an unfortunate lightning strike sealed her fate. With no known remains, her loss is one of many minor but significant maritime incidents on Lake Erie.