IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: FRED A. LEE (later renamed CANADA)
- Type: Wooden Tugboat
- Built: 1896, Port Huron, Michigan
- Original Owners: D.N. Runnels, Harrison W. Mains, George Lee
- Dimensions (1896): Length: 70 feet Beam: 16 feet Depth: 9 feet
- •Gross Tonnage: 60.12 tons
- •Net Tonnage: 40.89 tons
- •Dimensions (1915): Length: 72 feet Beam: 15.42 feet Depth: 10 feet
- •Gross Tonnage: 65 tons
- •Final Location: Lake Huron, 13 miles northeast of Pointe aux Barques, Michigan
- •Coordinates: Not precisely documented
- •Depth: Not specified
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The FRED A. LEE was a wooden Tugboat designed for towing operations and navigating the Great Lakes’ challenging waters. Built in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1896, it was lauded as one of the finest vessels constructed at the time. It was later Rebuilt and renamed CANADA in 1915, reflecting changes in ownership and usage standards. The Tugboat was versatile and robust, a characteristic essential for towing and general maritime duties.
HISTORY
The FRED A. LEE served as a reliable Tug for nearly four decades, undergoing significant changes during its operational life. Upon its construction, it was celebrated for its craftsmanship, with the launch drawing a crowd of hundreds.
Changes and Rebuild
In 1915, the vessel was Rebuilt under Canadian ownership, undergoing minor dimensional changes and gaining the new name CANADA. Its official number also changed to 134379. These modifications reflect the vessel’s integration into the Canadian maritime registry and its continued importance in the region’s maritime operations.
The Final Voyage
On a fateful voyage in 1936, the Tug, now named CANADA, was en route from Sarnia, Ontario, to the Soo (Sault Ste. Marie). It encountered severe weather and Foundered in Lake Huron, 13 miles northeast of Pointe aux Barques, Michigan. Tragically, the entire crew of five perished in the incident. The sinking underscored the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly for smaller vessels like tugboats.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The FRED A. LEE, renamed CANADA, was lost in a severe storm in 1936. The wreck site remains undocumented, with no specific depth or coordinates provided. The loss of life and vessel is a solemn reminder of the perilous conditions on Lake Huron.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
•Obstructions: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the FRED A. LEE / CANADA.
•Advisories: Pointe aux Barques is historically known for hazardous conditions and numerous shipwrecks, making caution essential for vessels transiting the area.
RESOURCES & LINKS
3D Models
Fred Lee Shipwreck – Deck Model by michigandiver on Sketchfab
CONCLUSION
The FRED A. LEE, later renamed CANADA, was a testament to the craftsmanship and resilience of Great Lakes vessels of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its tragic loss in 1936 highlights the dangers faced by mariners navigating these waters. Although the wreck remains undocumented, the story of the FRED A. LEE lives on, contributing to the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS
#FredALee #CanadaTugboat #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeHuron #PointeAuxBarques #GreatLakesHistory #TugboatSinking #MaritimeTragedy
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