IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The Dragon was a wooden-hulled tugboat, also referred to as a towboat, primarily used for towing barges and other vessels. Built in 1866 in Buffalo, New York, the Dragon was designed with a single deck, typical of tugboats of the era. It was a small but robust vessel, essential for navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, assisting in the transportation of goods and vessels.
HISTORY: The Dragon was constructed in 1866 by Vans & Notter in Buffalo, New York. Initially owned by Christian of Erie, Pennsylvania, the vessel played a crucial role in towing operations in the Great Lakes. Throughout its operational history, the Dragon experienced numerous incidents, ownership changes, and repairs.
In November 1867, the tugboat suffered severe damage when it burned at Buffalo. Two years later, in 1869, the Dragonran aground on Bird Island Reef but was successfully released. That same year, it was involved in a collision with the bark OGARITA near Buffalo, which resulted in the tragic loss of two lives. On September 28, 1869, while towing two barges, the Dragon ran ashore at Windmill Point on Lake Erie and sank. At that time, the vessel was owned by Brown & Son.
Despite these setbacks, the Dragon was salvaged and returned to service. In 1871, it came under the ownership of Christian in Erie, Pennsylvania, and in December 1872, the tugboat sustained damage from ice, which caused a hole in its bow. Ownership transferred again in 1875 to W. Downs and others in Ashtabula, Ohio, during which a new boiler was installed on the vessel.
The Dragon continued to operate until 1881 when it sank at a dock in Cleveland, Ohio, but was once again raised and returned to service. By 1891, the vessel was owned by D.D. Johnson of Port Huron, Michigan. In 1913, the Dragon was sold to a Canadian owner, marking the last recorded transaction in its known history.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The Dragon met its final fate in Mosquito Bay, North Channel, Lake Huron, where it sank to a depth of 15 feet (4.5 meters). The exact circumstances surrounding its sinking remain unclear, but the vessel’s final resting place in shallow waters makes it relatively accessible for exploration.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories currently associated with the wreck of the Dragon. However, the site is located in shallow water, and boaters and divers should exercise caution when navigating the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the Dragon lies in Mosquito Bay, North Channel, Lake Huron, at a depth of 15 feet (4.5 meters). The site is accessible to divers and may offer an interesting exploration opportunity, especially given its historical significance.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck of the Dragon is located at a depth of 15 feet (4.5 meters), making it easily accessible to divers. The shallow depth allows for straightforward exploration, although the exact condition of the wreck may have deteriorated due to natural factors over time. Divers visiting the site may find remnants of the wooden structure and other components of the vessel.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: Dragon, Tugboat, Towboat, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Maritime History
CONCLUSION: The Dragon served as a reliable tugboat in the Great Lakes, despite facing numerous challenges and incidents throughout its operational life. Its final resting place in Mosquito Bay, Lake Huron, offers a tangible connection to the maritime history of the region. The wreck site serves as a reminder of the vessel’s role in the development of the Great Lakes’ shipping industry and provides an accessible location for historical exploration.
