1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The John Hunsader was a wooden-hulled tugboat (later known as Puckasaw) built in 1910 by Thomas N. Smith & Son in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Powered by a steeple compound engine with two cylinders, the vessel featured a single propeller and was equipped with a Scotch boiler. The engine, manufactured by Murphy Iron Works in Detroit, Michigan, had dimensions of 22 + 40 x 30 inches. The tugboat’s original dimensions were 97.58 feet (29.7 meters) in length, with a beam of 26.58 feet (8.1 meters) and a depth of 12.42 feet (3.8 meters), and a gross tonnage of 210 tons.
The vessel served primarily in the towing and transportation industry on the Great Lakes, performing a variety of tasks for different owners over its operational life.
3. HISTORY #
The John Hunsader was launched in 1910 and initially owned by Thomas N. Smith of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The vessel was actively involved in towing and transportation tasks and played a crucial role in supporting the maritime industry in the Great Lakes region. Ownership transferred to Leathem & Smith in 1915, and by 1919, the tugboat underwent some modifications that resulted in a slight adjustment of its dimensions and tonnage.
In 1921, the vessel was renamed Puckasaw, continuing its service under this new name. In 1933, the Puckasaw was sold to the Newaygo Timber Company, based in Port Arthur, Ontario, where it continued its operations for a few more years.
However, by 1936, the vessel’s operational life came to an end when it was intentionally scuttled near B Island in the Welcome Islands of Lake Superior. The reasons behind the scuttling may have included the vessel’s age, condition, or the economic decisions made by its owners at the time.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Puckasaw (formerly John Hunsader) was intentionally scuttled in 1936 near B Island in the Welcome Islands, Lake Superior. The vessel now rests at a depth of approximately 80 feet (26 meters), marking the end of its service life. The scuttling was a common practice for older vessels that were no longer deemed economical or safe to operate, effectively providing the ship with a final resting place beneath the waters of Lake Superior.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Puckasaw (John Hunsader). The wreck’s location at a depth of 80 feet (26 meters) suggests it does not pose a significant hazard to navigation but should still be noted by mariners.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Puckasaw is located near B Island in the Welcome Islands, Lake Superior, at a depth of 80 feet (26 meters). The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not provided.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Puckasaw lies at a depth of 80 feet (26 meters), making it accessible to divers with appropriate training and equipment. The condition of the wreck is not detailed, but as it was scuttled intentionally, the structure may be relatively intact or partially collapsed depending on environmental conditions and the passage of time. The wreck site offers an opportunity for exploration and provides insights into the construction and operation of early 20th-century tugboats.
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 John Hunsader, later known as the Puckasaw, reflects the life cycle of many working vessels on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1910 to its scuttling in 1936, the tugboat served multiple owners and underwent various modifications that extended its operational life. The vessel’s final resting place near B Island in Lake Superior serves as a reminder of the vital role tugboats played in the development of the Great Lakes maritime industry.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the Puckasaw lies at a depth of 80 feet (26 meters), making it an accessible site for experienced divers. The site offers a glimpse into the construction and history of early 20th-century tugboats, with potential opportunities to observe the vessel’s structure and any remaining artifacts. Divers should approach the site with caution, respecting the wreck’s historical significance and adhering to any local regulations that may apply.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 20th Century
- Tugboat
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Diving Site
CONCLUSION #
The tugboat John Hunsader, later renamed Puckasaw, serves as an important part of Great Lakes maritime history. Its service in towing and transportation, along with its eventual scuttling near B Island, reflects the typical life cycle of working vessels in the region. The wreck, now lying beneath the waters of Lake Superior, continues to offer insights into the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and provides a valuable site for exploration by divers and historians alike.
