Identification & Site Information

• Name: Lansing Shoal Lightship No. 055 (later converted to a Tug, name unconfirmed post-Conversion)
• Former Names: None officially documented prior to Conversion
• Type at Service: Lightship (original) → Tugboat (after Conversion)
• Date Built: 1891
• Builder: Unknown (likely constructed at a U.S. Lighthouse Service or Navy-contracted shipyard)
• Specifications (as Lightship): Length: 90 ft (27.43 m) Beam (Width): 20 ft (6.10 m) Depth: 9 ft (2.74 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 129 tons
• Specifications (after 1922 Conversion to Tug): Length: 96 ft (29.26 m) Beam: 21 ft (6.40 m) Depth: 11.75 ft (3.58 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 142 tons
• Net Tonnage: 96 tons
• Date Abandoned: 1932
• Final Status: Abandoned after more than 40 years of service

Vessel Type

Original Role: Lightship (1891–1922)

The Lansing Shoal Lightship No. 055 was originally built as a Lightship—a floating lighthouse designed to mark hazardous shoals, reefs, and other dangerous areas where it was impractical to construct permanent lighthouses. Lightships played a crucial role in maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, especially in treacherous areas like the Lansing Shoal in northern Lake Michigan.

Lightships were anchored in position and equipped with:

• A powerful light beacon (typically mounted on a mast)
• Fog signals (bells, whistles, or horns) for low-Visibility conditions
• Often painted in bright colours with large lettering to ensure Visibility during daylight

Converted Role: Tugboat (1922–1932)

After serving for over 30 years as a Lightship, No. 055 was converted into a Tugboat in 1922. The Conversion process included:

• Hull modifications to improve handling and structural integrity
• Installation of towing equipment such as winches and heavy-duty rigging
• Possible engine upgrades to meet the demands of towing larger vessels

This transition reflects the common practice of repurposing government or commercial vessels to extend their service life, especially during times of economic constraint or shifting maritime needs.

Operational History

As a Lightship (1891–1922):

• Stationed at Lansing Shoal, located in the Straits of Mackinac region of northern Lake Michigan, an area notorious for treacherous currents and dangerous shoals.
• Served as a critical navigational aid for vessels passing through one of the busiest shipping lanes connecting Lake Michigan to the rest of the Great Lakes system.
• Likely manned by a small crew responsible for maintaining the light, fog signals, and general vessel upkeep. Life aboard lightships was often isolated and challenging due to long deployments in harsh weather.

As a Tugboat (1922–1932):

Following Conversion, the vessel operated as a Tugboat, likely assisting with:

• Towing barges and cargo ships
• Harbour duties such as maneuvering vessels in confined spaces
• Icebreaking support in winter months, common for converted tugs on the Great Lakes
• Records of specific towing assignments are limited, but her size suggests she was suitable for medium-duty towing operations.

Final Disposition

After more than 40 years of service, the vessel was Abandoned in 1932. The term “Abandoned” in maritime records often indicates that the vessel was:

• Decommissioned and left to deteriorate at a dock or shipyard
• Scuttled (intentionally sunk)
• Stripped for salvage, with valuable parts removed before the Hull was discarded
• No specific details are provided regarding the vessel’s final location or the circumstances of her abandonment.

Located By & Date Found

Nil – No confirmed discovery of the vessel’s remains has been reported. If scuttled, she may rest in a shallow area near Great Lakes ship graveyards or along the shoreline of former industrial ports.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil – The vessel is not marked as a navigational hazard, and no specific maritime advisories are associated with her final resting place.

Historical Significance

The Lansing Shoal Lightship No. 055 reflects the evolution of maritime technology on the Great Lakes, transitioning from an essential navigational aid to a hardworking Tugboat. Her service at Lansing Shoal contributed to the safety of countless vessels navigating the hazardous waters of the Straits of Mackinac, a region pivotal to North American commerce.

The vessel’s Conversion to a Tug underscores the resourcefulness of maritime industries in adapting aging ships for new roles—a practice that extended the operational life of many vessels well beyond their original design.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Lightship Historical Society
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• U.S. Lighthouse Society

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Lansing Shoal Lightship No. 055, Great Lakes Lightship, converted Tugboat, Lake Michigan navigation, Straits of Mackinac maritime history, abandoned vessels Great Lakes

Categories: Great Lakes Lightships, Tugboats of the Great Lakes, Maritime Navigation Aids, 19th Century Ship Conversions

Glossary Terms:

• Lightship: A vessel anchored in place to serve as a floating lighthouse, marking dangerous areas for navigation.
• Tugboat: A small but powerful vessel used to tow or push larger ships, often in harbours or along rivers.
• Conversion: The process of modifying a vessel’s structure and equipment to serve a different function than originally designed.
• Straits of Mackinac: A critical waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, known for strong currents and hazardous navigation conditions.

Conclusion

The Lansing Shoal Lightship No. 055 served as a guardian of the Great Lakes, marking one of the region’s most treacherous shoals before being reborn as a Tugboat in the 1920s. Her journey from navigational sentinel to industrial workhorse reflects the adaptability of maritime vessels and the enduring importance of the Great Lakes in North America’s commercial history. Though her final fate remains a mystery, her legacy is tied to the countless sailors and ships she helped guide safely through the waters of Lake Michigan.