Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Bob Anderson was a wood-built steam tug designed primarily for towing rafts of timber and assisting other vessels on the Great Lakes. These tugs were essential for maneuvering large, cumbersome log rafts through the lakes and rivers, and they played a critical role in the lumber industry during the 19th century. Equipped with a high-pressure steam engine generating 375 horsepower, the Bob Anderson was a powerful and versatile workhorse.
History #
The Bob Anderson was constructed in 1862 by Ira Lafrinier in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally owned by H. J. & R. K. Winslow of Cleveland, the tug was well-suited to the rigors of the Great Lakes, particularly for its primary role in towing log rafts. Over its long service life, the Bob Anderson changed ownership several times and saw a variety of duties, all while navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
The tug experienced its share of incidents, including mechanical failures and damage during operations. For instance, the Bob Anderson suffered a cylinder head breakage on the St. Clair River and incurred damage on Lake Huron. Despite these challenges, the vessel was repaired and returned to service, demonstrating its durability and the importance of tugs like the Bob Anderson to the maritime industry of the time.
However, the tug’s resilience was not enough to prevent its tragic end. On July 29, 1899, while towing a large raft of sawlogs off Grand Marais, Minnesota, disaster struck. The Bob Anderson was engulfed in flames and quickly burned to the waterline. Remarkably, all crew members survived, rescued by canoe from the nearby shore. The tug Mystic attempted to tow the burning Bob Anderson to deeper waters, where it ultimately sank.
Before this catastrophic event, the Bob Anderson had a notable history of survival. It was reported to have been left sunken in Springwells, Michigan for many years, alongside the tug L. L. Lyon. However, efforts to resurrect the Bob Anderson prior to 1897 allowed the vessel to continue its service until its fiery demise.
Final Disposition #
The Bob Anderson now lies at the bottom of Lake Superior, near Grand Marais, Minnesota. The precise location of the wreck has not been widely documented, and the condition of the remains is largely unknown. The tug’s tragic end serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly those involved in the demanding and dangerous work of towing timber rafts.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the Bob Anderson wreck. However, divers and maritime historians interested in the site should be aware that the wreck’s exact location may be challenging to pinpoint.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The Bob Anderson sank shortly after the fire in 1899. Its location has not been actively sought for exploration, making it one of the many forgotten wrecks of the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion #
The story of the Bob Anderson is a compelling chapter in the history of the Great Lakes’ maritime industry. The vessel’s service as a tug in the lumber trade, its survival through various incidents, and its ultimate destruction in a tragic fire highlight the perils faced by those who worked on the lakes. The Bob Anderson exemplifies the resilience and dedication of the crews who operated these essential vessels, even as it underscores the ever-present dangers of navigating the Great Lakes.
Keywords: #
- Bob Anderson
- Great Lakes Tug
- Lake Superior Wreck
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Grand Marais Wreck
- Lumber Trade
- Great Lakes Fire Incidents
The legacy of the Bob Anderson serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, and the vessel’s story is an important piece of the region’s rich maritime history.
