Identification & Site Information:
- • Name(s): Niagara
- • Registry: United States
- • Official Number: 18714
- • Vessel Type: Rafting Tug
- • Year Built: 1872
- • Year Sank: 1904
- • Hull Material: Wood
- • Engines: None
- • Dimensions:
- • Length: 130 ft (39.6 m)
- • Width: 24 ft (7.3 m)
- • Depth: 9 ft (2.7 m)
Vessel Type
The Niagara was a rafting Tug, a specialized vessel designed to tow log rafts across the Great Lakes. Rafting tugs were crucial to the lumber industry, facilitating the transportation of timber to mills and markets.
Description
Built in 1872, the Niagara was constructed as a sturdy workhorse for the logging industry. Its wooden Hull and robust design made it capable of handling the immense stresses of towing massive log rafts over long distances.
On June 4, 1904, the Niagara sank near Knife Island, Lake Superior, while towing a raft of logs. Accounts suggest that structural failure or a collision may have led to the vessel’s demise. No loss of life was reported, but the incident marked the end of the Tug’s service.
Final Dispositions
The wreck lies at depths ranging from 50 ft to 90 ft (15–27 m) near the lake side of Knife Island, Minnesota.
• The wreck is fragmented, with debris scattered along the lakebed.
• Major components of the wreck include:
• Two sides of the Hull
• Bow section
• Two pieces of cabin sides
• These sections remain intact enough to provide valuable insights into the vessel’s construction and its role in the logging industry.
Located By & Date Found
The Niagara wreck is part of the Minnesota Historical Society’s underwater cultural resources. It has been documented and studied as a significant example of Great Lakes rafting tugs.
NOTMARs & Advisories
The wreck’s depth and scattered condition make it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. The site is protected under Minnesota law, and removing artifacts is strictly prohibited. Divers should exercise caution to avoid damaging the fragile remains.
Resources & Links
3D Model – Niagara
Niagara Tug by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Niagara, Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Knife Island, Rafting Tug, Logging Industry
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Logging Industry Vessels
Glossary: Rafting Tug, Log Raft, Bow Section, Cabin Sides, Scattered Wreckage
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