The Tugs (John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K, Alice G)

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Vessel Names:
1. John & Alice
2. Bob Foote
3. Robert K
4. Alice G
Vessel Type: Tug Boats
Location: Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory, Lake Huron
Coordinates:
- Approximate Depth: 20 feet (7 meters)
- GPS Coordinates: Scattered throughout the harbour, with specific coordinates varying for each wreck.
Site Description:
- The wrecks are scattered around Little Tub Harbour. Wrecks 1-3 are located to the left of the wooden access deck in front of the Grandview Inn and are badly broken up. Wreck 4, the Alice G, is the most intact and is buoyed to the right of the deck.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The four vessels in Little Tub Harbour were fishing tugs and small workboats used primarily in local fishing operations and transportation around the Tobermory area. These tugs were vital for the local economy, aiding in both fishing and general harbor services. Each vessel was made from wood and had its own unique history, with most meeting their demise due to fires or grounding incidents.

HISTORY #

John & Alice: This 59-foot fishing tug was built in Port Dover in 1924. It served the local fishing industry until it burned and sank on December 6, 1947. Despite its small size, it played a crucial role in the daily operations of the fishing fleet.
Bob Foote: The Bob Foote met its fate earlier than the others, burning and sinking in 1905. As one of the earlier wrecks in the harbor, little is known about its exact service history, but it too was integral to local operations.
Robert K: Another tug built in Port Dover, the Robert K was a reliable workhorse until it burned and sank on June 23, 1935. Like the other vessels, it was essential for the transportation of goods and services around the Tobermory area.
Alice G: The Alice G was a 67-foot tug that ran aground and sank in November 1927. Unlike the others, this wreck is more intact and serves as a point of interest for divers. It represents the typical design and function of early 20th-century tugs in the Great Lakes region.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

John & Alice: Burned and sank on December 6, 1947.
Bob Foote: Burned and sank in 1905.
Robert K: Burned and sank on June 23, 1935.
Alice G: Ran aground and sank in November 1927.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wrecks have long been known to local divers and historians, with no specific rediscovery date. They are part of the regular diving attractions in Little Tub Harbour.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K: These wrecks are broken up and scattered to the left of the wooden access deck in front of the Grandview Inn. Divers should be cautious of the debris and poor visibility due to the scattered nature of the wrecks.
Alice G: The most intact of the four, this wreck is buoyed to the right of the deck and provides a more substantial diving experience. As it is more preserved, divers can explore its structure more fully, though care should still be taken due to its age and condition.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

David Swayze Shipwreck File: http://www.baillod.com/shipwreck/swayze/
Labbie Collection: https://greatlakeships.org/2907793/data?grd=4085
Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/
Great Lakes Ships: https://greatlakeships.org/

CONCLUSION #

The four tugs in Little Tub Harbour each tell a unique story of the maritime history of Tobermory and the Great Lakes. Despite their small size, these vessels were critical to the operations in the area and now serve as a significant point of interest for divers. The Alice G stands out as the most intact and accessible, offering a glimpse into the past for those who explore its remains.