ALVA B U106733

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ALVA B
Type: Steam Tug
Date of Incident: November 1, 1917
Location: Avon Point, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 30.768′ N, 82° 01.894′ W
Depth: 12 feet (3 meters)
Condition: Wreckage scattered; vessel sits upright with the steam boiler rising close to the water’s surface.
Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified; previously owned by various towing companies including Great Lakes Towing Co. and American Towing Co.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ALVA B was a steam-powered tug built in 1890 by the Union Dry Dock Co. in Buffalo, New York. The tug had the following specifications:

Length: 73.50 feet
Beam (Width): 18.42 feet
Depth: 10.50 feet
Gross Tonnage: 83 tons
Net Tonnage: 41 tons
Hull Material: Wood

The ALVA B served as a towing vessel on the Great Lakes, assisting in the navigation and transport of larger vessels.

HISTORY #

The ALVA B had a storied history, having been involved in various maritime incidents and ownership changes throughout its operational life. Notably, the tug was sunk by the steamer City of Detroit in 1898 but was later salvaged and returned to service.

Final Incident – 1917: On November 1, 1917, the ALVA B foundered during a storm off Avon Point, Ohio, in Lake Erie. The tug was not carrying any cargo at the time and had eight crew members on board. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no casualties, and all crew members survived. The vessel, however, was declared a total loss.

Prior to its final voyage, the ALVA B had reportedly been lying in Sandusky, Ohio, for some time, where it had dried out. This may have contributed to its vulnerability during the storm.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ALVA B was declared a total loss after it foundered in the storm. The wreck now lies in shallow water at a depth of approximately 12 feet (3 meters). The site is scattered, with the vessel sitting upright and the steam boiler rising close to the water’s surface. This boiler can pose a navigation hazard, especially during periods of low water levels.

Artifacts from the ALVA B, including its propeller, anchor, and anchor chain, have been salvaged and are displayed at various locations, such as Miller Road Park in Avon Lake and the Aqua Marine Resort. The wreck site itself remains accessible to divers and snorkelers, offering a glimpse into maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when approaching the site due to the shallow water and the presence of the steam boiler, which could pose a hazard during low water conditions.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the ALVA B was reported shortly after it foundered in 1917. The site has since become known to local divers and maritime historians, with artifacts from the vessel displayed at various locations.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the ALVA B lies in 12 feet of water, making it accessible to divers, snorkelers, and even waders during low water periods. The wreck is scattered but remains an interesting site for exploration. The presence of the steam boiler, which rises close to the water’s surface, requires caution from those navigating or exploring the area.

The site has also become a habitat for various species of Lake Erie fish, attracting anglers to the area. The ALVA B serves as both a historical artifact and an ecological site.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The ALVA B was a steam tug that served the Great Lakes region for nearly three decades before it met its end in a storm off Avon Point, Ohio, in 1917. Despite its loss, the wreck has become an important site for maritime history enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the era of wooden steam tugs on the Great Lakes.