1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
- Vessel Name: CHALLENGE
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Built: 1870 by Chesley Wheeler in E. Saginaw, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Length: 58 feet (17.7 meters)
- Beam: 13 feet (4 meters)
- Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Tonnage: 17 gross tons, 11 net tons
- Last Port of Registry: E. Saginaw, Michigan
- Final Voyage Date: September 28, 1880
- Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire in E. Saginaw, Michigan; rebuilt and re-entered service, final record in 1892.
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHALLENGE was a wooden propeller steam tug built for operation on the Saginaw River and Lake Huron. As a tugboat, it was primarily used for towing and maneuvering other vessels, often within the busy industrial ports of Michigan. The CHALLENGE was designed to be robust and reliable, with a wooden hull typical of the period, making it well-suited to the demands of its role in the Great Lakes maritime industry.
3. HISTORY #
The CHALLENGE was launched in 1870, constructed by Chesley Wheeler in E. Saginaw, Michigan. The tugboat measured 58 feet in length, with a beam of 13 feet and a depth of 5 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 17 and a net tonnage of 11. Initially owned by George Philcher, the vessel changed hands in 1872 when it was purchased by S.S. Perkins of Saginaw, and later by Stewart & Sieno of Saginaw in 1879.
Throughout its operational history, the CHALLENGE faced significant adversity. In August 1870, shortly after its launch, the tugboat experienced a boiler explosion in E. Saginaw, causing it to sink. Remarkably, there were no reports of casualties, and the vessel was salvaged and rebuilt.
Despite these early setbacks, the CHALLENGE continued to serve the Great Lakes region. In 1878, the vessel underwent extensive repairs, ensuring it remained seaworthy and operational.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
On September 28, 1880, the CHALLENGE was consumed by a devastating fire in E. Saginaw, Michigan. The fire caused such extensive damage that the tugboat was declared a total loss and removed from the registry. However, in a remarkable turn of events, the CHALLENGE was recovered and rebuilt, returning to service in 1883.
The vessel continued to operate until the last documented record of its activity in 1892, noted in Detroit. Details of its operations during this later period remain sparse.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the CHALLENGE.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
There are no specific records indicating that the wreckage of the CHALLENGE was located or remains extant. The vessel was rebuilt after the 1880 fire and continued to serve until at least 1892.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the CHALLENGE was rebuilt and returned to service following its destruction by fire, there is no known wreck site associated with the vessel. The ultimate fate of the CHALLENGE after 1892 is not documented, and it is unclear whether the vessel was eventually lost or dismantled.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Ships Database
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The story of the CHALLENGE exemplifies the resilience of the maritime industry during the 19th century. Despite suffering severe damage from a boiler explosion and later being declared a total loss after a fire, the vessel’s recovery and continued service demonstrate the determination of its owners and crew to persevere through adversity. The CHALLENGE’s history is a testament to the challenges faced by tugboats and other working vessels on the Great Lakes.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
As there is no known wreck site for the CHALLENGE following its rebuild, there are no diving opportunities associated with this vessel. However, the story of the CHALLENGE offers valuable insights into the history of Great Lakes maritime operations and the risks faced by tugboats of that era.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Tugboat
- CHALLENGE
- E. Saginaw, Michigan
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Ship Fire
- Boiler Explosion
- Maritime Resilience
- Great Lakes
CONCLUSION #
The CHALLENGE tugboat’s history is a compelling narrative of survival and resilience in the face of repeated adversity. Built in 1870, the vessel endured a catastrophic boiler explosion and a destructive fire, only to be salvaged and returned to service. The story of the CHALLENGE serves as a reminder of the tough conditions and constant dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. Despite its trials, the CHALLENGE continued to serve its purpose, embodying the determination and grit of the maritime community.
