Shotline Diving - The Great Lakes GotoTiger US 166685

Identification & Site Information

Name: Tiger
Other Names: None
Official Number: 166685
Type at Loss: Dredge scow, steel
Builder: Kingston, NY
Date Built: 1918
Specifications: 80 x 26 x 5 feet (24.4 x 7.9 x 1.5 meters), 102 gross tons (102n)
Date of Loss: July 26, 1929
Place of Loss: Off Lakeside, Michigan
Lake: Michigan
Type of Loss: Fire

Vessel Type & Description

The Tiger was a steel Dredge scow built in 1918 at Kingston, New York. A Dredge scow is a type of Barge used in dredging operations, specifically for transporting dredged material. With its steel construction, the vessel was robust and suitable for heavy work in maritime construction or harbor maintenance.

The Tiger had the specifications of 80 feet (24.4 meters) in length, 26 feet (7.9 meters) in width, and 5 feet (1.5 meters) in depth, and had a Gross Tonnage of 102 tons. While scows like the Tiger were typically unpowered, they would be towed by other vessels or used for transporting material in shallow waters, primarily in dredging operations.

Final Voyage & Loss

On July 26, 1929, the Dredge scow Tiger caught fire while off the shore of Lakeside, Michigan, on Lake Michigan. The fire led to the vessel’s Total Loss, and it eventually sank due to the damage caused by the blaze. There were no reports of loss of life, but specifics regarding casualties have not been confirmed. The Tiger was owned by Steven A. Boston of Detroit at the time of its loss.

There is some ambiguity regarding its construction date as records also show a 1915 construction in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with slightly different specifications of 80 x 26 x 5 feet and 102 gross tons.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Lakeside, Michigan: Mariners in the Lakeside area of Lake Michigan should remain cautious of any remaining wreckage or debris from the Tiger or similar sunken vessels.

• Fire Hazards on Steel Vessels: Even steel vessels, when involved in certain operations (such as dredging), may be exposed to combustible materials or intense heat sources that can lead to fires. Mariners should inspect their vessels regularly for fire hazards.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Wikipedia – Kingston NY Lakeside

Conclusion

The steel Dredge scow Tiger was lost to a fire on July 26, 1929, off Lakeside, Michigan on Lake Michigan. Despite being an industrial vessel, the Tiger suffered significant damage from the blaze, ultimately leading to its sinking. The specifics surrounding the cause of the fire and loss of life are unclear, but the vessel was owned by Steven A. Boston of Detroit at the time. This wreck serves as a reminder of the dangers that even industrial and work vessels face on the Great Lakes, where fire and other hazards can lead to sudden and tragic losses.