Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A.S. Piper
- Type: Wooden steam screw tug
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length 54 ft (16.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 21.11 tons (approx. 19.2 metric tonnes)
- Location: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Official Number: Not available
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steam screw tug
Description
The A.S. Piper was a modestly sized wooden steam screw tug, typical of the late 19th-century vessels that served the bustling ports of the Great Lakes. At 54 feet in length, she was designed for towing and maneuvering larger ships within harbors and along rivers. Her construction reflected the utilitarian design of workboats of that era, prioritizing functionality over luxury.
History
Built in 1880, the A.S. Piper operated primarily in the waters of Lake Michigan, serving the needs of maritime commerce in the region. On the evening of October 14, 1890, while docked at Reynold’s dock in the upper mill wharf of Sturgeon Bay, the vessel caught fire. The crew, having gone ashore earlier, returned to find the Piper engulfed in flames. The nearby tug Mosher promptly pulled the burning vessel away from the wharf to prevent the fire from spreading. Despite these efforts, the A.S. Piper drifted ashore and was declared a total loss. In the months following the incident, the owners attempted to salvage the vessel’s machinery, successfully removing the boiler. As of April 1904, the remains of the A.S. Piper were reported to be sunken at the head of Sturgeon Bay near the channel.
Significant Incidents
- October 14, 1890: The A.S. Piper caught fire while moored at Reynold’s dock, leading to her total loss.
Final Disposition
The A.S. Piper was declared a total loss due to the fire. While the boiler was salvaged, the rest of the vessel was left submerged near the channel at the head of Sturgeon Bay.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of April 1904, the wreck of the A.S. Piper was reported to be located at the head of Sturgeon Bay near the channel.
Resources & Links
The A.S. Piper’s demise underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden steam-powered vessels to onboard fires, a common hazard in the late 19th century. While the vessel’s remains have not been the focus of recent exploration, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the Great Lakes region.