Shipwreck Report: Tugboat ADELE

Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Adele (Other Names: Adale)

•Wreck Type: Tugboat (Towboat)

•Build Date: 1889

•Builder: William Dulac, Mount Clemens, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 48.4 feet (14.75 meters)

•Beam: 10.4 feet (3.17 meters)

•Depth: 3.6 feet (1.10 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 9.65 tons

•Propulsion: Screw-driven (originally steam, later converted to gas motor)

•Final Location: Drummond Island, Lake Huron

•Date of Final Incident: June 14, 1936

Vessel Type Description

The Adele was a small wooden Tugboat, constructed to support towing operations in rivers, harbors, and Shipyards. Its compact size and sturdy design were ideal for maneuvering in tight and dynamic environments. Initially equipped with a steam engine, the vessel was later modernized with a gas motor, reflecting the technological progress of the early 20th century. The Adele was among the countless workboats that contributed to the thriving maritime industry on the Great Lakes during its time.

History

Construction and Service Life

The Adele was built in 1889 by Shipwright William Dulac in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1895, the vessel was primarily tasked with towing operations, serving as a critical link in the chain of commerce and navigation on the Great Lakes.

Over time, the Tug underwent significant modifications, including a Conversion from steam to gas propulsion, which enhanced its efficiency and aligned with the evolving demands of the shipping industry.

Retirement and Abandonment

After years of service, the Adele was deemed unfit for operation, and her documentation was surrendered in Port Huron on June 26, 1911. The reasons for her retirement were not explicitly recorded, but it is likely that age, wear, and advancements in shipbuilding contributed to the decision.

Final Incident

The Adele met her end on June 14, 1936, in a tragic fire while docked on Drummond Island, Lake Huron. The fire consumed the vessel entirely, leaving no opportunity for recovery or repair. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and no further attempts to document or salvage the wreck were made.

Final Disposition

The Adele was Abandoned in 1911 after being declared unfit for service. The fire in 1936 marked the vessel’s ultimate destruction. Any remnants of the vessel have not been formally located or surveyed, and the site remains undocumented in maritime records.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status:

No Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories exist for the wreck of the Adele. The remains are presumed to have either deteriorated entirely or remain unmarked at Drummond Island.

Located By & Date

•Discovery:

The Adele has not been formally surveyed or located, and its exact resting place remains unknown.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive vessel records and history.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for historical accounts and records.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival data on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Adele represents the unsung laborers of the Great Lakes—a small Tugboat that served an essential role in supporting regional commerce and navigation. Though modest in size and capacity, vessels like the Adele were the backbone of the maritime economy during their time. Her final chapter, marked by fire and abandonment, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and impermanence of life on the Great Lakes.

Today, the Adele lives on through historical records, enriching the narrative of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

•Adele

•Tugboat Wreck

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•Drummond Island

•Lake Huron Wrecks

•19th Century Maritime History

•Tugboat History

•Great Lakes Towboats