1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Admiral D.D. Porter, originally named Howard, was a wooden-hulled tugboat (towboat) built in 1864 in Wilmington, Delaware, by J.J. Archibald under the supervision of Harlan & Hollingsworth. The vessel was powered by a high-pressure, single-cylinder engine measuring 30″ x 30″ and producing 250 horsepower, built by Reany, Son & Archibald in Chester, Pennsylvania. The tugboat was initially constructed for Thomas Clyde of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a design that included a square stern and a screw propulsion mechanism.
Throughout its long career, the Admiral D.D. Porter underwent several significant rebuilds and modifications, including a rebuild in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1889, which increased its tonnage and adjusted its dimensions. The vessel played various roles, including service as a Union gunboat during the American Civil War and later as a towboat in commercial operations across the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The Admiral D.D. Porter had a storied history that spanned several decades and multiple ownerships. Initially launched as the Howard in 1864, the vessel served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War before transitioning to commercial towing operations. After the war, the tugboat was owned by the Delaware & Chesapeake Tow Boat Co. and then by the Peshtigo Company of Wisconsin, where it operated out of Chicago, Illinois.
The tugboat experienced numerous rebuilds, ownership transfers, and incidents throughout its service life. In 1889, the vessel was extensively rebuilt in Port Huron, Michigan, where it was renamed the Howard and owned by Henry Howard. This rebuild increased its dimensions and power, equipping the tug with a steeple compound engine generating 300 horsepower.
Over the years, the Admiral D.D. Porter (formerly Howard) collided with the Third Street Bridge in Bay City, Michigan, in 1904, and faced other accidents typical of a working tugboat. However, the vessel’s final chapter began on June 13, 1921, when it stranded in fog near the southwest tip of Victoria Island, close to Fort William on Lake Superior. The crew managed to escape, but the tug was wrecked, and its documents were surrendered on September 14, 1921, marking the official end of its service.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Admiral D.D. Porter met its end on June 13, 1921, when it was stranded in fog and wrecked near the southwest tip of Victoria Island, Lake Superior. The vessel came to rest at a depth ranging from 40 to 120 feet (12.2 to 36.6 meters). The wreck marks the conclusion of the tugboat’s long and varied career, which spanned multiple roles, owners, and significant events.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Admiral D.D. Porter. The depth of the wreck suggests it does not pose a significant navigational hazard but should still be approached with caution by mariners.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Admiral D.D. Porter is located near the southwest tip of Victoria Island, Lake Superior, at a depth of 40 to 120 feet (12.2 to 36.6 meters). The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not provided.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Admiral D.D. Porter lies in water ranging from 40 to 120 feet (12.2 to 36.6 meters) deep, making it accessible to divers with the appropriate training and experience. The condition of the wreck is not detailed, but given its age and the circumstances of its sinking, the wooden structure may be deteriorated, though parts of the tug may still be identifiable. The varying depth offers opportunities for exploration at different levels, with potential challenges due to the deeper sections.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
- National Park Service: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The history of the Admiral D.D. Porter reflects the evolution and resilience of tugboats during a critical period in American maritime history. From its early days as a Union gunboat to its later role in commercial towing on the Great Lakes, the vessel exemplified the versatility and importance of these workhorses. The tug’s final moments, stranded in fog and wrecked near Victoria Island, underscore the challenges faced by mariners navigating the often treacherous waters of Lake Superior.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the Admiral D.D. Porter, lying at depths between 40 and 120 feet (12.2 and 36.6 meters), offers an intriguing site for divers with advanced skills. The depth variation allows for exploration of different sections of the wreck, but divers should be cautious due to potential deterioration of the wooden structure. Proper training, equipment, and adherence to safety protocols are essential for a successful dive at this historically significant site.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Tugboat
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Diving Site
CONCLUSION #
The tugboat Admiral D.D. Porter, originally known as the Howard, stands as a testament to the vital role of tugboats in American maritime history. From its construction during the Civil War to its final days navigating the Great Lakes, the vessel witnessed significant historical events and served multiple owners and purposes. The wreck, now lying in the waters near Victoria Island, continues to tell the story of a hardworking vessel that played a crucial part in shaping maritime operations on the Great Lakes.
