ALPENA, hull#26
- Tug Boat
- 70ffw 23m
- 68ft Lenght
- Avon Point, Lake Erie
- 41 41.630 81 57.655
The towing vessel formerly known as the DUKE LUEDTKE, with USCG Doc. No. 216022, had a significant history and underwent various ownership changes throughout its existence. Built in 1917 by the Great Lakes Towing Company in Cleveland, Ohio, with the hull number 26, it was initially named the Alpena under the ownership of the Great Lakes Towing Company.
In 1945, the tug was acquired by the Merritt-Chapman and Scott Corporation based in New York, New York, and it retained its name during this transition. It served under their ownership for several years.
In 1957, a significant modification took place as the tug was converted from steam-powered to diesel. This conversion enhanced its efficiency and performance. The DUKE LUEDTKE was a single screw tug with a power rating of 900 horsepower.
Subsequently, in 1966, General Piping Incorporated of Indianapolis, Indiana, became the new owner of the tug, maintaining the vessel’s name. The tug continued its operations under their ownership.
In 1972, the Luedtke Engineering Company located in Frankfort, Michigan, acquired the tug. The company decided to rename the vessel, and it was then known as the Duke Luedtke, reflecting its association with the company.
Unfortunately, in 1993, a tragic event occurred when the Duke Luedtke sank in Lake Erie. The exact circumstances surrounding the sinking are not provided in the available information.
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