Identification & Site Information

•Name: Anna Ruth (formerly known as American Favorite)

•Other Names: Anne Ruth, Ruth Anne

•Type: Propeller Tug and Packet Vessel

•Tonnage: 27 tons

•Length: Not specified

•Beam: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

•Location: Pringle’s Bay, near Edward Island, Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, Ontario

•Year of Loss: December 9, 1928

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The Anna Ruth was a versatile propeller-driven Tug and Packet vessel constructed in 1920 by M.B. Petersen in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Designed to carry both passengers and cargo, the vessel was initially registered as the American Favorite before being renamed Anna Ruth in 1926. At 27 tons, the vessel was relatively small, serving specialized roles in towing operations and in supporting remote industries, such as the lumber trade.

History

Launched in 1920 as the American Favorite, the vessel operated on the Great Lakes, performing dual roles as a Tug and Packet vessel. Renamed Anna Ruth in 1926, it was sold to the Pigeon Timber Company of Port Arthur, Ontario, and used to transport fuel and supplies to lumber camps in remote areas around Lake Superior.

On December 9, 1928, while en route to a lumber camp near Edward Island in Thunder Bay, the vessel was engulfed in a fire. Carrying a cargo of fuel and supplies, the fire quickly consumed the Anna Ruth, leading to its complete destruction. Despite the catastrophic nature of the incident, no lives were lost. The charred remains of the vessel were Abandoned in Pringle’s Bay.

Final Disposition

The Anna Ruth was completely destroyed by fire on December 9, 1928, with its remains left in Pringle’s Bay, near Edward Island. The wreck was never salvaged or relocated and remains at the site as a historical relic.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the Anna Ruth. Mariners should exercise caution in Pringle’s Bay and be aware of potential underwater obstructions related to the wreck.

Located By & Date

The wreck has been known since the vessel’s loss in 1928, but no specific modern exploration or documentation of the site is available.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Anna Ruth is undocumented but presumed to be poor due to the devastating fire and the passage of time. Wooden wrecks, especially those destroyed by fire, typically deteriorate quickly. The exact state of the wreck and its accessibility are unknown, and exploration would require further study and possibly advanced diving skills.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Database

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Resource

Tags

•Lake Superior

•20th Century

•Tugboat

•Packet Vessel

•Maritime History

•Shipwreck

Diving Notes & Recommendations

Given the limited information on the wreck’s depth and condition, any diving activities would need to proceed with caution. Advanced diving skills and careful planning are recommended, as the wreck’s remains are likely fragile and may pose potential hazards. Divers should respect the site’s historical significance.

Conclusion

The Anna Ruth, originally the American Favorite, exemplifies the challenges and dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Its service to the lumber industry and tragic end in a fire highlight the critical yet hazardous nature of maritime transport in the region. The wreck, though deteriorated, remains in Pringle’s Bay as a silent witness to the vessel’s history and the resilience of those who worked on the Great Lakes.