Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Wayne Isabell

•Vessel Type: Tug (Towboat)

•Hull Type: Wooden

•Length: 64 feet (19.5 meters)

•Depth at Wreck Site: 40 feet (12 meters)

•Place of Loss: East of Hotham Island, McBean Channel, Lake Huron

•Date of Loss: Not specified

•Coordinates: Not provided

Vessel Type Description

The Wayne Isabell was a wooden-hulled Tugboat, a vital component of the Great Lakes’ maritime operations. Tugboats like the Wayne Isabell were indispensable for towing larger vessels, assisting in docking maneuvers, and ensuring safe navigation through the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Known for their durability and versatility, tugboats were essential for the efficient movement of goods and vessels in the region’s busy shipping routes.

History

The operational history of the Wayne Isabell remains sparse, but tugboats of this era were typically employed in heavy-duty tasks under challenging conditions. Tugboats on the Great Lakes were renowned for their resilience, frequently navigating through harsh weather and ice to perform their duties.

Given its size and construction, the Wayne Isabell was likely involved in supporting freighters and barges in the McBean Channel, a crucial waterway in Lake Huron. Its service would have been part of the broader maritime industry that played a pivotal role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region.

Final Disposition

•Location of Loss: The Tug met its demise in the McBean Channel, east of Hotham Island, in Lake Huron.

•Circumstances: The exact details surrounding its sinking remain unknown, including whether it was due to weather, mechanical failure, or collision.

•Current State: The wreck lies at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters), making it relatively shallow and accessible for exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Wayne Isabell offers divers an opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history. Its wooden Hull, likely weakened by time and underwater exposure, may still retain recognizable features of the Tugboat. The shallow depth makes it an ideal site for recreational divers, but caution is advised due to potential structural deterioration.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•NOTMARs: There are no specific Notices to Mariners currently associated with this wreck.

•Diving Caution: Divers should be aware of potential hazards, including entanglement risks from debris and the fragile condition of the wreckage.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore regional maritime history

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Preservation and exploration initiatives

•Local Diving Clubs: Useful for guided dives and insights into the area.

Conclusion

The Wayne Isabell, though lesser-known, is a reminder of the indispensable tugboats that supported the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. While its operational history and the circumstances of its loss remain elusive, the wreck site provides a tangible connection to the maritime past of Lake Huron. Resting in the McBean Channel, east of Hotham Island, at a depth of 40 feet, the Tugboat offers a unique dive experience and a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels in the Great Lakes’ demanding environment.

Keywords

Wayne Isabell, Tugboat, Wooden Hull, McBean Channel, Hotham Island, Lake Huron Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Recreational Dive Site.