Shipwreck Report: John Evenson (1895, Tug)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: John Evenson
• Type of Ship: Steam-powered Tug (wooden Hull)
• Year Built: Unknown
• Location of Sinking: Off the Sturgeon Bay Canal, Door County, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
• Date of Incident: June 5, 1895

Incident Description

The John Evenson, a wooden Tug, met its tragic end while returning to Sturgeon Bay from Manitowoc after having its firebox repaired. Captain John M. Laurie chose to anchor near the canal, hoping to assist any passing vessels in need of a tow.

Late in the afternoon, the steambarge I.W. Stephenson, towing two barges (Peshtigo and Alert), signaled for assistance navigating the Sturgeon Bay canal. In response, the John Evenson moved into position to attach a line.

Collision and Sinking:

The I.W. Stephenson, traveling at approximately 10 mph, inadvertently struck the Stern of the John Evenson during the maneuver. The force of the impact caused the John Evenson to turn sideways, placing it in an even more vulnerable position. A second collision occurred as the Stephenson’s bow struck the Tug again, rolling it over.  The John Evenson filled with water and sank immediately.

Casualties:

Four of the five crew members managed to escape the sinking Tug and were rescued by boats lowered from the Peshtigoand Alert. One crew member, Martin Boswell, who was asleep during the incident, tragically perished as the Tug went down.

Final Disposition

The John Evenson was lost in Lake Michigan, near the Sturgeon Bay Canal. It was a Total Loss, and no information indicates it was salvaged or recovered.

Historical Context

The Sturgeon Bay canal was a critical navigation route in the late 19th century, heavily trafficked by freighters, barges, and tugs. Vessels like the John Evenson were vital for towing larger ships and barges through tight or challenging waterways  The collision highlights the inherent dangers of maritime operations in confined spaces like the canal, where vessels often worked in close proximity.  The I.W. Stephenson was a typical Great Lakes steambarge of its era, heavily loaded and difficult to maneuver, which likely contributed to the collision.

Legacy and Significance

The loss of the John Evenson serves as a reminder of the bravery and risks faced by Tug crews in the late 19th century. Tugboats were indispensable to Great Lakes shipping, and their crews often operated under challenging conditions to ensure the smooth transit of larger vessels.

The incident is a documented part of Door County’s shipwreck history, emphasizing the region’s rich and sometimes tragic maritime heritage.

Resources & Links

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Smithsonian Newsletter
• Door County Maritime Museum
• Fox News
• Great Lakes Ships

Conclusion

The John Evenson’s sinking on June 5, 1895, marked a tragic day in the history of Great Lakes towing. Though the crew acted quickly to assist a passing vessel, a miscalculation led to disaster. The story of the John Evenson is a testament to the courage of Great Lakes mariners and a poignant reminder of the perils they faced.

3D Model

John Evenson (1884) by Zach Whitrock on Sketchfab