Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Adele was a small wooden tugboat or towboat, designed primarily for river and shipyard operations. Built in 1889 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, by William Dulac, the vessel was typical of workboats of its time, compact and robust, providing vital towing services on the Great Lakes. Originally equipped with a steam engine, the Adele was later converted to a gas motor, reflecting technological advancements in maritime propulsion during the early 20th century.
History #
The Adele began her service life after being enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, on September 11, 1895. With a modest length of 48.4 feet and a gross tonnage of 9.65, she was well-suited for the towing tasks she was built to perform, navigating the rivers and harbors with agility.
Over the years, the Adele underwent significant changes, most notably the conversion from her original steam engine to a gas motor. The exact date of this conversion is unknown, but it marked a significant update in her capabilities, aligning her with the more modern vessels of her time.
After decades of service, the Adele was deemed unfit for further operation. On June 26, 1911, her documents were surrendered in Port Huron, effectively marking her retirement from active service. The reasons for this decision are not fully documented, but it likely reflected the natural wear and tear on the vessel after many years of hard labor.
The final chapter of the Adele’s story is a tragic one. On June 14, 1936, she burned at the dock on Drummond Island, Lake Huron. The fire marked the end of the vessel, and no further details of the incident are recorded. The Adele, which had once been a vital workhorse on the Great Lakes, was lost to history, her remains likely scattered or consumed by the waters of Lake Huron.
Final Disposition #
The Adele was abandoned as unfit for service in 1911, with her final destruction occurring in a fire on June 14, 1936, at a dock on Drummond Island, Lake Huron. The vessel was not recovered or rebuilt following the fire.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific advisories or Notices to Mariners related to the wreck of the Adele. The remains have not been officially documented or surveyed.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: No formal discovery or underwater survey has been recorded for the wreck of the Adele.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Maritime History
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
Conclusion #
The Adele serves as a poignant reminder of the many small, yet crucial, vessels that played an integral role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. From her construction in 1889 to her final demise in 1936, the Adele was a vessel that worked tirelessly in service to the bustling ports and shipyards of Michigan. Though her physical presence is lost to time, her story continues to enrich the tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Keywords: #
- Adele
- Adale
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Lake Huron Shipwrecks
- Tugboat Wrecks
- Drummond Island
- 19th Century Shipwrecks
