IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The KILARNEY was a steel-hulled tugboat, built in 1929. It measured 91.5 feet in length, 22 feet in beam (width), and 10 feet in depth. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 176 tons and was designed for towing and maneuvering other vessels, playing a crucial role in the operations of harbors, rivers, and coastal waters.
HISTORY: #
The KILARNEY was owned by the Gaelic Tugboat Co., located in Grosse Ile, Michigan. As a robust and durable steel tugboat, the KILARNEY was constructed in 1929 and served for several decades before its sinking. Unfortunately, the specific circumstances surrounding the sinking are not detailed in the available records.
The tugboat KILARNEY reportedly sank at two different positions in Lake Erie. According to Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) 61/74, one position is approximately at latitude 42° 08′ 00″ N, longitude 81° 20′ 00″ W, while LNM 62/74 gives another position at latitude 42° 09′ 30″ N, longitude 81° 14′ 36″ W. The inconsistency in reported positions suggests that the vessel may have moved after sinking or that there may be multiple parts of the wreck spread over a significant area.
The wreck is noted as submerged and dangerous to surface navigation, posing a hazard to vessels passing through the area.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The KILARNEY now lies submerged in Lake Erie at a depth of approximately 72 feet. The exact reasons for the sinking remain undocumented, but the vessel’s location and condition have been recorded due to its potential danger to navigation.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
The wreck of the KILARNEY is considered hazardous to surface navigation, as noted in the Local Notice to Mariners. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating near the recorded coordinates. The wreck’s precise location, potentially spread across two sites, increases the importance of these advisories.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The KILARNEY’s wreck was documented in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) 61/74 and 62/74. The precise discovery and documentation date were recorded in these notices, emphasizing the need for caution around the area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in approximately 72 feet of water, making it accessible to divers, though caution is advised due to its status as a hazard to navigation. The exact condition of the wreck is not detailed in the available records, but the requirement for a full survey suggests that further investigation is needed.
SURVEY REQUIREMENTS: #
A full survey is required for the KILARNEY wreck site, with a minimum area of a 1000-meter radius around the identified coordinates. This survey will help to determine the wreck’s exact location, condition, and any potential risks it poses to navigation.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #Tugboat
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
- #NavigationHazard
Conclusion: #
The KILARNEY tugboat, built in 1929, met its fate in Lake Erie under circumstances that remain unclear. The wreck, now a submerged hazard to surface navigation, poses significant risks due to its depth and potential movement after sinking. The inconsistent positions reported highlight the need for a comprehensive survey, ensuring the safety of vessels navigating these waters. The KILARNEY’s story is a reminder of the challenges faced by working vessels on the Great Lakes, where even the most durable ships can be lost to the depths.
