Identification & Site Information

• Name: Tioga
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 145405
• Type at Loss: Propeller, iron, package and bulk freighter
• Builder: Union Dry Dock, Buffalo
• Date Built: 1885
• Specifications: 286 feet (87 meters) long, 39 feet (12 meters) beam, 26 feet (8 meters) depth, 2320 gross tons (2100 metric tons), 1684 net tons (1521 metric tons)
• Date of Loss: November 26, 1919
• Place of Loss: Sawtooth Reef, just off Eagle River, Michigan
• Lake: Superior
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None
• Carrying: Wheat

Vessel Type & Description

The Tioga was a package and bulk freighter built in 1885 by Union Dry Dock in Buffalo. Made of iron, this vessel was designed to transport both bulk cargo and packaged goods. With a length of 286 feet (87 meters), a beam of 39 feet(12 meters), and a depth of 26 feet (8 meters), the Tioga had a robust construction capable of carrying large loads, with a Gross Tonnage of 2320 tons (2100 metric tons). At the time of its loss, the Tioga was primarily used for transporting wheat, likely as part of the regular grain trade that moved across the Great Lakes. The ship’s sturdiness and ability to carry both bulk and packaged cargo made it a reliable freighter for long hauls on the busy Great Lakes shipping routes.

Final Voyage & Loss

On November 26, 1919, during a gale (strong storm), the Tioga was attempting to find shelter near the shores of Lake Superior. Unfortunately, in the midst of the storm, the vessel struck Sawtooth Reef, located just off Eagle River, Michigan. The ship’s crew managed to escape the wreckage and made it to shore in the ship’s boats, escaping the dangerous storm that had caused the disaster.

After the crew safely Abandoned the ship, the Tioga was pushed off the reef and into deeper water. It is presumed that the ship eventually sank or was rendered a Total Loss after the damage inflicted by the storm and the grounding on the reef. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crew during this event.

Notable Prior Incident

Before its final loss in 1919, the Tioga had been involved in a tragic incident on July 11, 1890, when the ship suffered a cargo explosion while docked in Chicago. The explosion occurred while the vessel was being unloaded, resulting in the deaths of up to 30 people, most of whom were stevedores (dock workers). The explosion severely damaged the vessel, but it was repaired and continued to operate on the Great Lakes until its eventual loss in 1919.

Final Dispositions

After the vessel struck Sawtooth Reef, the Tioga was pushed into deeper water, and no further information suggests a salvage operation or recovery of the wreck. The storm and reef grounding left the vessel a Total Loss. The wreck likely remains submerged in Lake Superior near the reef.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Sawtooth Reef: Mariners should be cautious when navigating near Sawtooth Reef and Eagle River, particularly during stormy conditions. The reef has proven hazardous in previous storms, as evidenced by the loss of the Tioga.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Tioga was a sturdy iron propeller freighter that met its demise on November 26, 1919, after striking Sawtooth Reef off Eagle River, Michigan, during a gale. The crew survived the disaster, and there were no fatalities during the storm, although the ship was a Total Loss. Prior to this event, the Tioga had suffered a devastating cargo explosion in 1890, resulting in the deaths of many stevedores. Despite the previous damage, the ship remained in operation for nearly three more decades until the fatal storm. The wreck of the Tioga remains a part of the Great Lakes’ maritime history, especially in connection with the dangers of navigating through rough weather and the region’s reefs.

Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Shipwrecks on Lake Superior, 19th-century freighters, Storm shipwrecks, Iron freighters, Great Lakes cargo explosions

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, Fire and explosion disasters, Great Lakes cargo shipping, Storm-related shipwrecks

Glossary Terms: Package freighter, Bulk cargo, Stevedores, Sawtooth Reef, Eagle River