The Ill-Fated Journey of the A. Booth: A Fish Tug Lost at Sea
In the late 19th century, the Great Lakes served as a vital transportation route, carrying goods and people across vast distances. One vessel that traversed these waters was the A. Booth, a propeller fish tug that met its unfortunate fate amidst treacherous storms on Lake Superior. Let us delve into the story of the A. Booth, from its construction in Chicago to its ill-fated journey and subsequent attempts at salvage.
The A. Booth was built in 1882 by James P. Smith in Chicago, Illinois, on behalf of its original owner, Alfred Booth & Co. This wooden vessel boasted an impressive figurehead of a fancy eagle and was one of the fastest boats on the Great Lakes. It had a length of 98 feet, a beam of 15 feet, and a depth of 5.3 feet. With a gross tonnage of 45.2 tons and a net tonnage of 26.32 tons, the A. Booth was well-equipped for its role as a fish tug.
The A. Booth played a vital role in the fishing industry, acting as a collection steamer. It transported supplies to fishing camps scattered along the lake’s shores and brought back barrelled fish to the bustling city of Chicago. Its nimble speed and capacity made it an ideal vessel for this purpose.
On August 27, 1886, tragedy struck the A. Booth during a violent storm on Lake Superior. Sailing approximately 20 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota, the vessel encountered thick fog that obscured its path. In this treacherous condition, the A. Booth tragically wrecked and sank, claiming its place among the unforgiving depths of the lake. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this incident.
Salvage Attempts and a Second Misfortune:
In the wake of the sinking, efforts were made to salvage the A. Booth. Diver J.G. Falcon, along with the assistance of the Detroit wrecker S.A. Murphy, undertook the challenging task of raising the vessel. Despite their initial success in July 1887, disaster struck once again. While being towed to Duluth, Minnesota, a storm tore off some of the A. Booth’s flotation barrels. The loss of buoyancy caused the vessel to capsize and sink in 120 feet of water, approximately 6 miles from Duluth. This second misfortune dashed any hopes of salvaging the vessel.
The A. Booth, with its storied history and tragic end, left a lasting mark on the Great Lakes maritime heritage. Although its final resting place lies at the bottom of Lake Superior, the memories of its role as a fish tug and its untimely demise live on.
The story of the A. Booth serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the men and women who braved the waves, pursuing their livelihoods and contributing to the growth of the region. The A. Booth’s tale adds another chapter to the rich tapestry of maritime history, forever etched in the depths of Lake Superior.
