IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Temporary Name: Mark’s Tug (Unidentified Hull)
- Type: Tugboat
- Location: Near Snake Island, Kingston, Lake Ontario
- GPS Coordinates: N 44°12.115′ W 76°31.705′
- Depth: 60 feet (18.3 meters)
- Length: 65 feet (19.8 meters)
SITE DESCRIPTION
Mark’s Tug, an unidentified hull, lies at a depth of 60 feet near Snake Island in Lake Ontario. The wreck was discovered during a plot charter by a diver named Mark, and until further identification, it has been informally named after him. The wreck is a tugboat, approximately 65 feet in length, and is an intriguing find for divers interested in the maritime history of the Kingston area.
HISTORY
The specific history of this tugboat remains unknown, as it has not been positively identified. However, tugboats were essential workhorses in the Great Lakes region, used for towing vessels, assisting in salvage operations, and various other industrial tasks. The presence of this tug near Snake Island, an area known for being the final resting place for many scuttled or abandoned vessels, suggests that it may have been intentionally sunk or accidentally lost during operations.
The wreck was captured on video by Tom Rutledge in 2003, further documenting its condition and location. The tug’s discovery by Mark during his first attempt with a plot charter adds an element of personal significance to the site, contributing to its temporary naming.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck lies relatively intact on the lakebed at a depth of 60 feet. The reasons for its sinking remain unclear, but given the area’s history as a dumping ground for obsolete vessels, it is possible that the tug was deliberately scuttled or lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to Mark’s Tug, but divers should exercise standard precautions when exploring wrecks, particularly those of unknown origin, as structural instability and entanglement hazards may be present.
LOCATED BY & DATE
Mark’s Tug was discovered during a plot charter by a diver named Mark, making it his first wreck find. The video capture by Tom Rutledge in 2003 has helped document the wreck’s condition and location, contributing to its recognition among the local diving community.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck is accessible to intermediate and advanced divers due to its depth of 60 feet. The tug is in a relatively stable condition, offering an interesting exploration opportunity for those interested in industrial maritime history. The site’s location near Snake Island, an area with multiple wrecks, makes it part of a larger network of historical underwater sites in Lake Ontario.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Mark’s Tug: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – Unidentified Tug: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
KEYWORDS
- Mark’s Tug, Unidentified Hull, Snake Island, Kingston, Lake Ontario, Tugboat, Maritime History, Scuttled Wreck, Industrial Diving.
ANALYSIS Mark’s Tug is an intriguing and personal discovery in the waters near Snake Island. The wreck represents the many tugboats that served vital roles in the industrial activities of the Great Lakes, often operating in challenging conditions. While the exact identity and history of the tug remain unknown, its discovery and documentation add to the rich tapestry of maritime heritage in the Kingston area. The wreck offers divers an opportunity to explore a piece of this history, with the potential for further research to uncover more about the vessel’s origins and its role in the region’s maritime activities.
