Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The AIMEE started its life as a yacht, built in 1879 in Ahnapee, Wisconsin. The vessel was later converted into a propeller tug, reflecting its adaptability and the common practice of repurposing vessels for different functions during this era. With a wooden hull and a modest tonnage of 10 tons, the AIMEE was relatively small, making it suitable for more localized operations, such as towing and transport duties around the Great Lakes.
History #
The AIMEE had a relatively brief but notable career on the Great Lakes. Originally constructed as a yacht, the vessel was later converted into a tug, operated by the Thunder Bay Boom Co. Captain Howe, the master of the AIMEE, was responsible for navigating the vessel through the often-treacherous waters of Lake Huron.
On November 20, 1880, the AIMEE met its tragic end during a storm off Thunder Bay Island. The vessel was on a mission to deliver light station supplies and a pet deer destined for President-elect Garfield in Ohio. The AIMEE had previously delivered lumber camp supplies to Thunder Bay Island but was unable to return immediately due to the onset of ice and damage to its rudder.
Trapped by the ice and further compromised by the rudder damage, the AIMEE eventually broke free from its moorings, drifting away uncontrollably. The relentless waves soon overwhelmed the vessel, leading to its wreck. The exact location of the wreck and its depth remain unspecified, but the story of the AIMEE adds to the long list of vessels lost to the unpredictable and often deadly conditions of the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition #
The AIMEE was ultimately lost to the waves off Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron. The combination of ice, rudder damage, and severe weather conditions contributed to its demise. The vessel drifted away after breaking its moorings and was subsequently destroyed by the rough seas. The pet deer and light station supplies onboard were also lost in the incident.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The exact location and condition of the wreck are unknown. The site is presumed to be off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, but details about the wreck’s depth and accessibility remain unclear.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: There is no record of a formal discovery of the wreck site. It remains one of the many vessels lost to Lake Huron’s waters.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Maritime History
Conclusion #
The AIMEE was a small but significant vessel that played a role in the bustling maritime activities of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Its conversion from a yacht to a tug reflects the versatility required of vessels during this time. Despite its modest size, the AIMEE undertook important missions, including the ill-fated journey that led to its loss in 1880. The story of the AIMEE serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes and adds another chapter to the rich maritime history of the region.
Keywords: #
- AIMEE
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Lake Huron Wrecks
- Thunder Bay Island
- Propeller Tug
- 19th Century Shipping
- Great Lakes Maritime History
This detailed report contributes to the growing archive of shipwrecks and dive sites in the Great Lakes region, offering valuable insights into the vessel’s history and final moments.
