Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A. Booth
- Type: Propeller-driven fish tug (wooden steamer)
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: James P. Smith, Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions: Length 98 ft (29.9 m); Beam 15 ft (4.6 m); Depth of hold 5.3 ft (1.6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross 45.20 tons, Net 26.32 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 36.576 m / 120 ft
- Location: Approximately 6 miles off Duluth, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Approximate location 6 miles offshore Duluth
- Official Number: 106108
- Original Owners: A. Booth & Sons, Chicago
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The A. Booth was a compact, propeller-driven fish tug designed for collecting fish and related supplies along Lake Superior. Its wooden hull featured a decorative eagle figurehead, highlighting the owners’ flair.
Description
Commissioned by A. Booth & Sons in Chicago, the A. Booth played a key role in the late 19th-century fish collection network on Lake Superior’s North Shore. It was designed as a collection steamer, supplying remote fishing stations and transporting fish to markets.
History
The A. Booth was built in 1882 and was one of the fastest boats on the Great Lakes. On 27 August 1886, it sank near Grand Portage in approximately 60 feet of water, reported as a total loss with property damages of $17,200, though no lives were lost.
Significant Incidents
- 27 August 1886: Initial sinking near Grand Portage, Lake Superior.
- 23 August 1887: Final sinking during tow to Duluth after being raised.
Final Disposition
In September 1886, underwriters contracted S. A. Murphy of Detroit for salvage. Captain J. Falcon successfully raised the A. Booth in July 1887, but it sank again due to a squall while under tow, approximately six miles off Duluth.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located at a depth of around 120 feet (36.6 m) in Lake Superior. Visibility conditions may vary, and access is by boat only. Divers should check local regulations and guidelines before planning a dive.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”a-booth-us-106108″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As you explore the A. Booth, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that this historic wreck remains preserved for future generations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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