Fish Tug Tuscarora (1906–1933)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Tuscarora
• Other Names: None recorded
• Official Number: 203453
• Vessel Type at Loss: Gas-powered wooden fish Tug (originally a passenger vessel)
• Builder: H. Perkins, Saugatuck, Michigan
• Year Built & Launched: 1906
• Specifications: Length: 40 ft (12.2 m) Beam: 13 ft (4.0 m) Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 22 GT
• Net Tonnage: 19 NT
• Date Lost: December 26, 1933
• Location of Loss: 5 miles north of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Storm, beached during a blizzard
• Loss of Life: None (all 3 crew members survived)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Fishing gear

Vessel Description & Service History

The Tuscarora was originally built as a passenger vessel in 1906 in Saugatuck, Michigan by H. Perkins. She was later converted into a fish Tug after 1922, reflecting the decline in small Passenger Vessels and the increasing demand for commercial fishing vessels on the Great Lakes. he was owned by Chris Jemsen of Muskegon, Michigan, and operated out of South Haven, Michigan, a key port for Great Lakes fishing and shipping.

Final Voyage & Loss

On December 26, 1933, the Tuscarora departed South Haven, Michigan, in moderate weather, heading out to lift her fishing nets.

The weather quickly worsened, developing into a violent storm and blizzard.  The crew attempted to make for shore, but the strong winds and heavy waves forced the vessel to beach about 5 miles north of Benton Harbor, Michigan. The vessel was declared a Total Loss, but all three crew members survived by swimming to shore through the breakers.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Declared a Total Loss after beaching.
• No record of salvage or recovery efforts.
• No known modern discovery of wreckage.
• No confirmed wreck site identified.
• Given that the vessel beached and broke apart, any remains are likely long lost to erosion and shifting sands.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been a hazardous area for small fishing vessels, particularly during winter storms. Fishing tugs were frequently lost to sudden storms on Lake Michigan, as their small size made them vulnerable to rough conditions.

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 Tuscarora was a long-serving Great Lakes vessel, transitioning from a passenger ship to a commercial fishing Tug. Despite her durability, she was ultimately claimed by a December storm in 1933, with her crew barely escaping with their lives. Today, no known remains exist, but her story highlights the dangers faced by small fishing crews on the Great Lakes, especially in winter storms.