IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The S.W. GEE was a wooden-hulled tug, originally constructed in 1888 in Buffalo, New York. The vessel was built with a single deck and designed primarily for towing operations. Over its operational years, the tug underwent name changes, being known as both YALE and COLUMBIA. Measuring 74 feet in length, with a beam of 17.1 feet and a depth of 9.9 feet, the S.W. GEE had a gross tonnage of 62 tons and a net tonnage of 31 tons. The tug served in various capacities on the Great Lakes, showcasing its durability and functionality in maritime operations.
HISTORY: The S.W. GEE was launched in 1888 by O’Grady & Mahar in Buffalo, New York. It quickly became a workhorse of the Great Lakes, engaged in towing operations. The tug was known by other names throughout its service life, including YALE and COLUMBIA, reflecting its changing ownership and roles.
In 1899, the S.W. GEE was acquired by the Maytham Tug Line in Buffalo, New York. This company utilized the tug for various towing assignments, benefiting from the vessel’s robust construction. However, the tug’s operational history was not without incident. In 1907, the S.W. GEE capsized and sank in the Blackwall Canal in Buffalo. Despite this setback, the tug was raised, repaired, and returned to service, demonstrating the resilience and importance of the vessel to its operators.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The S.W. GEE met its final fate on February 26, 1925, when it was abandoned and dismantled. The reasons for the abandonment remain unclear, but it marked the end of the vessel’s service life. Following its abandonment, the tug was left to deteriorate. The remains of the S.W. GEE now rest in the McBean Channel, east of Hotham Island in Lake Huron, at a depth of 40 feet.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the S.W. GEE. Divers are advised to exercise caution when exploring the site due to the age and condition of the wreck.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The exact coordinates of the S.W. GEE wreck are not provided in historical records. The location is generally noted as east of Hotham Island in the McBean Channel, Lake Huron.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck of the S.W. GEE lies in 40 feet of water, making it accessible for divers. Given the vessel’s wooden construction and the time elapsed since its abandonment, the wreck is likely in a deteriorated state. However, the relatively shallow depth allows for exploration, providing a glimpse into the history of Great Lakes tugs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Vessels Online Index: S.W. GEE
- Bowling Green State University Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: S.W. GEE (Tug)
KEYWORDS: S.W. GEE, YALE, COLUMBIA, Tug, Towboat, Lake Huron, Hotham Island, McBean Channel, Shipwreck, Great Lakes
CONCLUSION: The S.W. GEE, a tug with a long service history on the Great Lakes, exemplifies the hard-working vessels that played a crucial role in maritime operations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its construction in 1888 to its abandonment in 1925, the S.W. GEE served under multiple names and owners, enduring both success and setbacks. Today, its wreck lies in Lake Huron, offering a tangible connection to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
