Other Names
- CONSTITUTION 4351
- COMMODORE JACK BERRY – Misspelling
- Tugboat
- 71ft 20m Lengths
- 10ffw – 3m Depths
- N 46° 41.384′
W 091° 59.541′
Amid the bustling maritime activities on Lake Superior during the late 19th century, the tale of the tug Commodore Jack Barry stands as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the treacherous waters. From its origins in shipbuilding to its fiery demise, the Commodore Jack Barry’s history weaves a narrative of resilience, challenges, and ultimately, tragedy.
Shipbuilding and Ownership:
In the year 1885, the wooden propeller steam tug Commodore Jack Barry was brought to life by shipbuilder James Elliott in Saugatuck, Michigan. With its impressive specifications of 71 feet in length, 16 feet in beam, and 9 feet in depth, the tug displayed the craftsmanship of its time. Registered under the number 126355, it was owned by the Barry brothers, namely Miles, John, and Thomas, and hailed from the harbor town of Muskegon, Michigan.
An Unforgettable Fire:
The tug Commodore Jack Barry faced not one, but two disastrous encounters with fire. In 1887, while on Muskegon Lake, the vessel was consumed by flames, leading to a loss of approximately $4,000, although insurance covered $2,000 of the damages. The vessel’s resilience shone through as it was rebuilt, restored to its former glory. The Barry brothers were determined to keep their vessel afloat and operational, and they succeeded.
Legacy and Final Voyage:
Despite its fiery trials, the Commodore Jack Barry remained steadfast in serving its purpose as a towing tug, assisting vessels within Muskegon Harbor. Its reputation for speed and efficiency earned it a place as one of the fastest tugs on Lake Michigan, and its feats in various races added to its legacy.
However, fate had other plans for the Commodore Jack Barry. On October 30, 1897, while in the harbor of Superior, Wisconsin, the vessel faced its final and tragic chapter. A fire erupted forward of the pilot house, quickly consuming the tug. Despite efforts to control the flames, the Commodore Jack Barry was lost, leaving only its memory to be preserved in history.
The Legacy Lives On:
The tug Commodore Jack Barry was more than just a vessel; it was a symbol of the indomitable spirit of those who navigated the Great Lakes. Named after Commodore John Barry, a Revolutionary War hero and ancestor of the Barry brothers, the tug embodied their lineage of maritime courage and determination.
As the remains of the Commodore Jack Barry rest silently beneath the waters of Lake Superior, the vessel’s story serves as a testament to the challenges faced by those who dedicated their lives to maritime trade. The tug’s legacy continues to remind us of the sacrifices made by sailors, and the unpredictable nature of the waters they traversed, contributing to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.
