Fish Tug Two Brothers (1908–1912)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Two Brothers
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 206445
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden gas-powered fish Tug
• Builder: Unknown, built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Year Built & Launched: 1908
• Specifications: Length: 32 ft (9.8 m) Beam: 10 ft (3.0 m) Depth: 4 ft (1.2 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 11 GT
• Net Tonnage: 10 NT
• Date Lost: November 23, 1912
• Location of Loss: Pentwater, Michigan, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Storm, collision with pier
• Loss of Life: 3 (all hands lost)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Fishing gear and nets

Vessel Description & History

The Two Brothers was a small, wooden-hulled fish Tug, built in 1908 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was a gasoline-powered vessel, a relatively new technology at the time, allowing for more efficient operations than traditional sail-powered fishing boats.

Like many Great Lakes fishing vessels, the Two Brothers was designed for nearshore operations, hauling in gillnets and trap nets used to catch species such as whitefish, perch, and trout.

Owned by August Christenson, the Tug operated out of Pentwater, Michigan, a historic commercial fishing community on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Final Voyage & Loss

On November 23, 1912, the Two Brothers was caught outside the harbor during a rapidly intensifying storm.

• The crew attempted to rush back into Pentwater Harbor, but strong winds and high waves made navigation extremely difficult.

• As they approached the harbor entrance, the vessel was slammed into the south pier by the heavy surf.

• Upon impact, the Hull split in two lengthwise, causing the boat to sink almost immediately.

• Tragically, all three crew members perished, despite being within sight of the local lifesaving station and onlookerswho were unable to reach them in time.

This disaster highlights the unpredictable dangers of Lake Michigan storms, particularly for small wooden fishing vessels that could easily be overwhelmed by high winds and waves.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• No known salvage efforts.

• No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck.

• Given the vessel’s small size and wooden construction, it is likely that any remains deteriorated over time or were scattered by currents and storms.

Located By & Date Found

• No confirmed wreck discovery.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Pentwater, Michigan, is known for severe storms and high-energy waves, making it a challenging location for small vessels.

• Several other shipwrecks have occurred in the vicinity, highlighting the dangers of navigating the area during bad weather.

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 Brothers was a typical early 20th-century fish Tug, playing a crucial role in the Pentwater fishing industrybefore meeting disaster in a sudden storm in 1912. Despite being just feet from safety, the vessel’s collision with the pier and immediate sinking led to the tragic loss of all three crew members. The incident serves as a reminder of the immense risks that Great Lakes fishermen faced, particularly when navigating stormy and unpredictable waters.