GORDON GAUTHIER

2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The GORDON GAUTHIER was a wooden-hulled tugboat (towboat) built in 1883 in Wallaceburg, Ontario. The vessel was powered by a high-pressure, single-cylinder engine with dimensions of 12″ x 12″, built by the Keri Brothers in Walkerville, Ontario, in 1884. Originally measuring 52.7 feet (16.1 meters) in length, with a beam of 11.3 feet (3.4 meters) and a depth of 5.3 feet (1.6 meters), the tug was reconstructed in 1886, slightly increasing its dimensions and tonnage. Tugboats like the GORDON GAUTHIER were essential in the Great Lakes, providing towing services for larger vessels, assisting in harbor maneuvers, and performing various other tasks that were vital to maritime operations.

3. HISTORY #

The GORDON GAUTHIER was launched in 1883, originally owned by Charles W. Gauthier of Sandwich, Ontario. The tugboat served various roles on the Great Lakes, including towing and harbor work. The vessel underwent significant changes throughout its career, including a rebuild in 1886 that adjusted its dimensions and increased its tonnage.

Ownership of the GORDON GAUTHIER changed hands multiple times, with the vessel eventually coming under the ownership of S.F. Reeves in Windsor, Ontario, in 1899. By 1911, the tugboat was owned by the Lake Superior Tug Co. in Port Arthur, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

4. FINAL DISPOSITION #

On October 9, 1911, the GORDON GAUTHIER met its tragic end when it caught fire and burned down in the harbor of Port Arthur, Ontario, located in Thunder Bay on Lake Superior. The fire completely consumed the vessel, leading to its total loss. The wreck now rests in approximately 15 feet (4.6 meters) of water near Mary Island in Lake Superior.

5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the GORDON GAUTHIER. The shallow depth of the wreck suggests that it poses minimal risk to navigation.

6. LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the GORDON GAUTHIER lies in shallow water, approximately 15 feet (4.6 meters) deep, near Mary Island, Lake Superior. The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not provided.

7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The GORDON GAUTHIER wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible for exploration by divers. The vessel’s wooden structure may have deteriorated over time, particularly after being burned down, but the wreck site can still offer insights into the construction and operation of late 19th-century tugboats on the Great Lakes.

8. RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
• Bowling Green State University: Website
• Great Lakes Ships: Website

9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #

The history of the GORDON GAUTHIER reflects the typical life cycle of a working tugboat on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s multiple ownership changes, rebuild, and eventual loss highlight the challenges faced by these small but essential ships. The fire that led to the vessel’s destruction is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in maritime operations, particularly in the era of wooden shipbuilding.

10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #

The wreck of the GORDON GAUTHIER is located in 15 feet (4.6 meters) of water, making it an accessible dive site for divers of all skill levels. Due to the shallow depth, visibility may vary, and the site should be approached with care to avoid disturbing any remaining artifacts or structure. As always, divers should respect the historical significance of the wreck and adhere to any local regulations governing the site.

TAGS #

• Lake Superior
• 19th Century
• Tugboat
• Maritime History
• Shipwreck
• Diving Site

CONCLUSION #

The tugboat GORDON GAUTHIER, built in 1883 and lost in 1911, serves as a testament to the essential role played by small vessels in the maritime operations of the Great Lakes. Its history, from construction to tragic loss by fire, reflects the challenges faced by vessels during this period. The wreck, now lying in shallow water near Mary Island, remains a point of interest for divers and maritime historians alike, offering a glimpse into the past and the legacy of Great Lakes shipping.