IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ANNIE LAURIE was a wooden propeller steam tug, a common type of vessel used during the late 19th century for various towing and transportation tasks on the Great Lakes. Built in 1874 by E. Haight in Buffalo, New York, the tug had dimensions of 84 feet in length, 15 feet in beam (width), and 4 feet in depth. The vessel’s gross tonnage was recorded at 31 tons, with a net tonnage of 22 tons. The steam tug was powered by a boiler, which underwent repairs in 1877, indicating its active use and the wear and tear typical of such vessels.
HISTORY #
The ANNIE LAURIE was constructed in 1874, making it nearly two decades old at the time of its sinking. Over the years, it served in various capacities, contributing to the transportation and maritime industries on the Great Lakes. The tug was initially associated with Saugatuck, Michigan, in the mid-1870s, highlighting its role in supporting the operations in that region.
On August 19, 1893, the ANNIE LAURIE met with disaster when it caught fire in the harbor near Erie, Pennsylvania. The crew managed to beach the vessel in an attempt to prevent the fire from spreading, a common practice to protect nearby structures and ships. However, despite these efforts, the ANNIE LAURIE ultimately sank approximately one mile off the entrance to the Erie harbor. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, and the crew’s quick actions likely saved the vessel from causing further damage to the harbor or other ships.
The ANNIE LAURIE was owned by F. W. Bacon & Co., a company based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The vessel had been an essential part of their operations, providing necessary towing services and other maritime duties within the harbor and surrounding areas.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The ANNIE LAURIE sank near Erie, Pennsylvania, after being beached due to a fire. The wreck occurred one mile off the harbor entrance, where the vessel remains underwater. Given the circumstances of its sinking, it is likely that the ANNIE LAURIE is relatively intact, though details on its current condition are sparse. The site may hold interest for divers and maritime historians, as it represents a period in Great Lakes shipping when wooden steam tugs were a vital part of harbor operations.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the ANNIE LAURIE. However, mariners and divers exploring the Erie harbor area should exercise caution, particularly near the wreck site, as submerged hazards may be present.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the ANNIE LAURIE was documented shortly after its sinking in 1893. The incident was recorded in contemporary shipping and maritime records, preserving the details of its final voyage and subsequent loss.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Primary Sources:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File – David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships – Great Lakes Ships
- Merchant Vessels of the United States – By United States. Bureau of Customs
Further Reading and Online Resources:
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Maritime History of the Great Lakes
CONCLUSION #
The ANNIE LAURIE represents a typical steam tug of its era, contributing to the bustling maritime activities of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Its loss in 1893 underscores the challenges faced by vessels of the time, particularly the dangers of fire aboard wooden ships. While the ANNIE LAURIE now rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, its history continues to be a part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime heritage.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #SteamTug #AnnieLaurie #19thCenturyShipping #EriePennsylvania #WoodenVessels #UnderwaterExploration #OhioShipwrecks
