Identification & Site Information
- Name: Anabel II
- Former Names: None
- Official Number: 228126
- Date Built and Launched: 1928
- Builder: Burger Boat Co., Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Vessel Type: Wooden Oil Screw Fish Tug (Diesel-powered)
- Hull Material: Wood
- Measurements: Length: 59 ft (18 m) Beam: 15 ft (4.6 m) Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 62 tons
- Net Tonnage: 50 tons
- Date Lost: January 12, 1956
- Place of Loss: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, at Roen Steamship Company Dock
- Lake: Lake Michigan
- Type of Loss: Fire (at winter dock)
- Loss of Life: None
- Cargo at Time of Loss: None
Vessel Type & Description
The Anabel II was a wooden diesel-powered fish tug, constructed in 1928 by the renowned Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Fish tugs were purpose-built for Great Lakes commercial fishing, featuring enclosed cabins to protect crews from the often harsh and unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Michigan. The oil Screw Propulsion system, powered by a diesel engine, represented a shift from traditional steam and gas engines to more efficient and reliable diesel power.
At 59 feet in length, the Anabel II was larger than many fish tugs of the time, reflecting a design that could accommodate both heavy fishing equipment and the capacity to haul large catches. Her robust build and size made her a valuable asset for both commercial fishing and potential Conversion for towing operations.
History
Initially serving as a commercial fish Tug, the Anabel II operated primarily in northern Lake Michigan, supporting the region’s vibrant fishing industry. Like many vessels of her class, she would have been involved in gillnet fishing for species such as lake trout, whitefish, and perch, which were economically vital to Great Lakes communities during the early to mid-20th century.
At some point before her loss, the Anabel II sank at her dock in Manistique, Michigan. Despite this setback, the vessel was salvaged and acquired by the Roen Steamship Company of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Roen intended to convert the vessel from a fishing Tug to a towing Tug, reflecting her structural strength and versatile design.
Final Incident & Loss
On January 12, 1956, while docked for the winter at the Roen Steamship Company’s dock in Sturgeon Bay, the Anabel II was destroyed by fire.
Details of the Incident:
- The vessel was undergoing winter storage and maintenance when the fire broke out.
- The exact cause of the fire is not detailed, but fires during winter lay-up were often due to faulty wiring, heating equipment failures, or fuel-related accidents.
- The fire completely consumed the Anabel II, rendering her a Total Loss.
Casualties:
- Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, as the vessel was likely uncrewed during her winter lay-up.
Final Disposition
After the fire at the Roen Steamship Co. dock, the Anabel II was declared a Total Loss. The vessel was likely scrapped or dismantled following the incident, with no significant salvage efforts recorded beyond clearing the burned wreckage from the dock area.
Located By & Date Found
There is no wreck site associated with the Anabel II as the vessel was destroyed by fire while docked. Any remaining parts were likely removed during cleanup and dismantled.
NOTMARs & Advisories
Sturgeon Bay remains an active maritime hub with a rich history of shipbuilding and commercial maritime operations. Mariners navigating the area should be aware of dockside hazards and maintain fire safety protocols, particularly during winter storage periods.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database
- Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy
Conclusion
The Anabel II’s destruction by fire in 1956 marks the end of a vessel that had served both as a commercial fish Tug and was poised for a new role as a towing Tug under the Roen Steamship Company. Built by the prestigious Burger Boat Company in 1928, the Anabel II reflects the versatility and durability of Great Lakes fishing vessels, many of which were repurposed for other maritime industries. Despite surviving an earlier sinking incident in Manistique, the vessel met her final end due to a dockside fire in Sturgeon Bay. Her story highlights both the importance of the Great Lakes fishing industry and the ongoing evolution of maritime vessels to meet changing economic demands.
Keywords:
Anabel II, Sturgeon Bay Fire, Lake Michigan Fish Tug, Roen Steamship Company, Great Lakes Fishing Vessels
Categories:
Great Lakes Fish Tugs, Lake Michigan Maritime History, Maritime Dockside Fires
Glossary Terms:
Oil Screw Fish Tug, Diesel-Powered Vessel, Dockside Fire, Vessel Conversion, Roen Steamship Company
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