Wreck Report: Unidentified Wooden Tugboat (Record 498)

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Unknown (believed to be a wooden Tug)

•Vessel Type: Tugboat (Wooden)

•Coordinates:

•Latitude: 4503’17.2N

•Longitude: 8325’54.9W

•Location: Lake Huron

•Depth: 1.5 meters (5 feet) below the water’s surface

•Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

•Survey Data: Documented in survey H9839/79; noted as a potential hazard with poor Visibility conditions.

Vessel Type Description

This wreck is believed to be a small, sturdy wooden Tugboat, historically used for towing or pushing vessels in harbors, open waters, or narrow channels. Estimated at 50 feet in length, this vessel represents a common Tug design used extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for maneuvering barges and assisting larger ships in tight areas.

History

The wooden Tugboat wreck was first documented in the historical survey H9839/79 and revisited in a 1975 survey. The vessel rests in shallow water at just 5 feet below the surface, posing a serious hazard to navigation. The wreckage has deteriorated significantly, leaving ribs, planking, and some mechanical components such as gears scattered across the site.

Historical records indicate that the wreck may have been situated on a protruding rib, exacerbating its danger to surface vessels. Visibility in the area is noted as poor, which complicates efforts to study or document the site thoroughly. A potential typo in historical position data suggests the latitude of 4503’17.2N is correct.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains submerged in Lake Huron in a fragmented state. Its shallow depth and location in an area with poor Visibility create a navigational hazard, particularly for small vessels and those with a shallow Draft. The deteriorated condition of the wreck highlights the toll taken by time and harsh underwater conditions.

Located By & Date

•Survey H9839/79 first identified the wreck.

•Investigated further during a 1975 survey, which provided additional details on its condition and hazardous nature.

•Coordinates are listed with caution due to a possible typo in earlier records.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Mariners should consult Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for any current advisories regarding the wreck’s location.

•Given the wreck’s shallow depth and poor Visibility, extreme caution is advised for vessels navigating the area.

•Ongoing monitoring or updates to navigational charts may be necessary to mitigate risks.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay Sanctuary

•NOAA AWOIS Database: NOAA AWOIS Database

Conclusion

The unidentified wooden Tugboat wreck poses a serious navigational hazard in Lake Huron due to its shallow depth of only 5 feet below the surface and poor Visibility conditions. Its deteriorated state underscores the challenges faced by maritime vessels and highlights the importance of accurate wreck charting for safe navigation. Further exploration and documentation by divers are recommended to verify its identity and ensure safe passage for mariners.

Keywords

•Lake Huron Tugboat wreck

•Wooden Tugboat

•Submerged wreck

•Great Lakes maritime history

•Navigation hazard

•Shipwreck diving site

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

•Coordinates: Latitude 4503’17.2N, Longitude 8325’54.9W

•Depth: 1.5 meters (5 feet)

•Mariners and divers should approach this location with caution, relying on updated survey data and NOTMARs for the safest navigation and exploration.