GENERAL U86498

2 min read

Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Name: General
Vessel Type: Tugboat
Dimensions: 100 feet in length
Depth of Wreck: 25 feet (8 meters)
Location: Near Frying Pan Island, Lake Michigan (45°59.232’N, 83°53.832’W)
Date Built: 1900
Builder: James Davidson, Bay City, Michigan
Final Voyage: April 7, 1930
Cargo: Not applicable

Vessel Type Description #

The tugboat General was a wooden vessel designed for towing and wrecking operations. With a length of 97.5 feet, a beam of 24 feet, and a depth of 10 feet, the General was a sturdy workhorse of its time. Built in 1900, it served in the challenging waters of the Great Lakes, particularly on the St. Marys River, where it was involved in numerous towing and salvage operations. Its gross tonnage of 132 tons made it a powerful and reliable vessel for its intended purposes.

History #

The tugboat General was constructed in 1900 by James Davidson in Bay City, Michigan. It was built for the Union Towing and Wrecking Company of Duluth, MN, and managed by the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. The General’s primary duty was navigating the perilous waters of the St. Marys River, a location notorious for accidents and vessel groundings.

For over a decade, the General played a critical role in towing and salvage operations, but its career was marred by tragedy on November 30, 1910. On that fateful day, the General collided with the Canadian Pacific Steamer Athabasca near Lime Island, resulting in the loss of three lives. The tug sank to the bottom of the river, where it remained for nearly a decade.

In 1919, the wreck was raised by T. L. Durocher of DeTour, MI, who saw potential in the vessel and put it back into service for his salvage, dock, and dredge business. The General continued to serve under Durocher’s ownership until disaster struck again on April 7, 1930, when a fire engulfed the tug while it was docked at DeTour, Michigan. The blaze destroyed the vessel, reducing it to a hull with remnants of its cabins. The engine, boiler, and other major machinery were lost, marking the end of the General’s operational life.

Final Disposition #

Today, the remains of the General lie in shallow waters off the northwesterly shoreline of Frying Pan Island in Lake Michigan. The wreck, with much of its hull still intact, rests at a depth of 15 to 25 feet. The site is particularly notable for the substantial steering quadrant near the stern, a poignant reminder of the tugboat’s once vital role in Great Lakes shipping and salvage operations.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the General wreck site. However, divers should exercise caution when exploring the shallow wreck, especially during periods of strong currents or reduced visibility.

Located By & Date #

The wreck of the General is well-documented and accessible to divers. It is located near Frying Pan Island, south of DeTour, Michigan, in a protected area that allows for diving in most weather conditions.

Resources & Links #

Conclusion #

The wreck of the General is a fascinating dive site that offers a unique glimpse into the history of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the General played a crucial role in towing and wrecking operations, only to meet a tragic end after a collision and a devastating fire. Today, the wreck lies in shallow waters near Frying Pan Island, offering divers an accessible and intriguing site to explore. The remains of the General serve as a tangible link to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and stand as a testament to the challenges faced by those who worked these waters.