IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Willie Brown was a small wooden propeller steam tug, a type of vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes region for towing other ships and assisting with harbor maneuvers. These tugs were crucial for the efficient operation of ports, helping to move larger vessels in confined spaces. The steam-powered propeller provided the necessary thrust, while the compact size allowed for maneuverability. Despite its small size, the Willie Brown was integral to the operations at East Saginaw, particularly in industries like logging and shipping.
HISTORY #
The Willie Brown was built in 1868 by G. Notter in Buffalo, New York, as a small but essential steam tug. With a length of 47 feet and a gross tonnage of just 20 tons, it was designed for close-quarters work in the busy harbors and rivers of the Great Lakes. Throughout its operational life, the tug faced numerous challenges, reflecting the inherent dangers of maritime work during that period.
One of the most significant incidents occurred on December 6, 1889, when the Willie Brown was engulfed in a fire while in East Saginaw, Michigan. The fire resulted in what was initially reported as a total loss. However, despite the severity of the damage, the tug was later recovered and continued to be registered until 1906. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire, which was a small mercy considering the potential dangers of such incidents.
The Willie Brown faced another significant challenge in April 1891 when it sank in the Saginaw River at Saginaw, Michigan. It remains unclear whether this sinking was directly related to the earlier fire or was a separate event. The lack of detailed records from this period makes it difficult to determine the exact circumstances of this incident.
Earlier in its career, the Willie Brown had also experienced mechanical difficulties. In November 1874, the tug suffered a burst flue in Chicago, leading to a property loss estimated at $100. This incident highlights the ongoing maintenance and mechanical challenges faced by vessels of this era.
Throughout its operational years, the Willie Brown was owned by McLean & Bridges of East Saginaw, Michigan, a firm likely involved in industries such as shipping and logging, which were central to the economy of the region at the time.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Willie Brown‘s operational history was marked by multiple incidents, including fires, sinkings, and mechanical failures. Despite these challenges, the tug remained in service for nearly four decades. After the 1889 fire and subsequent sinking in 1891, the vessel was last registered in 1906, after which it likely ceased operations. The exact circumstances of its final disposition remain unclear, but it is believed that the vessel was eventually abandoned or dismantled following its removal from the registry.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck or remnants of the Willie Brown have not been definitively located. The vessel’s last known incidents occurred in East Saginaw and the Saginaw River, Michigan. However, there is no record of the wreck being discovered or preserved.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Willie Brown. Mariners in the Saginaw River area should be cautious of potential underwater obstructions, although the exact location of the Willie Brown’s remains is unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- NOAA Wrecks Map: Check the NOAA wrecks map for updated information on any identified obstructions or wrecks in the Saginaw River area.
CONCLUSION #
The Willie Brown exemplifies the hardworking but often perilous life of steam tugs on the Great Lakes. Its history is marked by resilience in the face of multiple adversities, from fires to mechanical failures. Although its final fate remains somewhat mysterious, the Willie Brown played a vital role in the maritime activities of East Saginaw, contributing to the economic development of the region during its operational years.
KEYWORDS #
- Willie Brown steam tug
- Saginaw River shipwreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- East Saginaw Michigan
- 19th-century tugboat
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
Specific GPS coordinates for the wreck site of the Willie Brown are not available. Further historical research and underwater exploration may provide more details on the exact location of the vessel’s remains. Interested historians and divers should consult updated resources and historical records for any new information.
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