Shipwreck Report: Fishing Tug ALICE C (Formerly BOB LUDWIG)

Identification & Site Information

•Name: ALICE C (formerly BOB LUDWIG)

•Type: Fishing Tug

•Built: 1926, Michigan City, Indiana

•Length: 50 feet (16 meters)

•Depth: 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters)

•Location: DeTour Village, Lake Huron, near Watson Dock

•Coordinates: Latitude 45°59.978’N, Longitude 83°53.959’W

•Hazard Classification: Marked as a danger to surface navigation

Vessel Type Description

The ALICE C was a typical fishing Tug designed for nearshore fishing and small-scale cargo or Ferry operations. Measuring 50 feet in length, the vessel had a robust design suitable for enduring the variable weather conditions on the Great Lakes.

History

1.Construction and Early Years (1926-1930):

•Launched in 1926 in Michigan City, Indiana, as the BOB LUDWIG.

•Operated as a fishing Tug on Lake Michigan, serving local fisheries.

2.Ownership Changes and Renaming (1930-1936):

•Sold to John Girven of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1930, and renamed ALICE C.

•Continued as a fishing vessel and Ferry boat in the region.

3.Later Years (1936-1947):

•Purchased by Albert McLeod in 1936, operating from DeTour Village.

•During World War II, the vessel fell into disrepair. Plans for refurbishment were Abandoned, and the ALICE C was left to deteriorate, eventually sinking from neglect.

4.Abandonment and Salvage (1947-1992):

•The vessel was removed from official documentation in 1947.

•In 1992, its engine and boiler were salvaged and are now displayed at the DeTour Village Museum.

Current Condition

•State of Wreck: The wreck is broken and scattered, with debris spread over an area of approximately 15 x 50 feet. The machinery has been removed.

•Visibility: Poor Visibility in the area limits its appeal to divers, snorkelers, and kayakers.

•Navigation Hazard: The wreck is marked on charts as a danger to surface navigation, especially given its proximity to shallow water near Watson Dock.

Discovery and Identification

•Discovered: The wreck was observed in 1941, shortly after its sinking.

•Identified: Officially identified by divers in 1989.

Points of Interest

1.DeTour Village Museum:

•The engine and boiler salvaged from the wreck are on display, offering visitors a chance to see artifacts from the vessel.

•The museum highlights the local maritime history and the role of fishing tugs like the ALICE C in the region.

2.Historical Role:

•The vessel served as both a fishing Tug and a Ferry, reflecting the versatile use of small vessels in the Great Lakes region during the early 20th century.

Diving and Exploration

•Depth: The wreck lies in shallow water (5–10 feet), making it visible to snorkelers but challenging due to poor Visibility.

•Condition: Broken and splayed open, with limited intact features remaining.

•Navigation Caution: The wreck remains a hazard for surface navigation and should be approached with care.

Resources & Links

1.DeTour Village Museum: Learn about the engine and boiler of the ALICE C and other regional maritime artifacts.

DeTour Village Tourism

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival information on fishing tugs and Great Lakes shipwrecks.

maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

3.NOAA Nautical Charts: Updated charts marking the wreck’s location and its hazard classification.

NOAA Charts

Conclusion

The wreck of the ALICE C, originally the BOB LUDWIG, provides a glimpse into the Great Lakes’ maritime history, particularly the role of small fishing tugs in the early 20th century. While the site offers limited appeal to recreational divers due to poor Visibility, its artifacts displayed at the DeTour Village Museum ensure that the vessel’s legacy lives on. The wreck serves as a testament to the durability and challenges faced by fishing tugs navigating the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#AliceC #BobLudwig #FishingTug #DeTourVillage #LakeHuronShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #ShallowWrecks #DeTourVillageMuseum #ShipwreckHazard