Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A. Seaman
- Type: Wooden steam tug
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Haught & Dunslaight, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length 70 ft (21.3 m); Beam 14 ft (4.3 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 76 tons (approx. 68.9 metric tonnes)
- Location: Near Cape Croker, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Crawford Tug Company
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steam tug
Description
The A. Seaman was a compact, wooden-hulled steam tug built for utility service, typically in harbour and shoreline towing. She was designed for strength over cargo capacity, with modest dimensions and a small crew. Such vessels were vital support craft for larger steamers and sailing vessels operating in the Great Lakes.
History
Constructed in 1873 in Buffalo, New York, the A. Seaman was soon sold into Canadian service in 1874. She operated out of Toronto under the ownership of the Crawford Tug Company, likely providing towing and docking assistance along the Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay corridors. By the early 20th century, she was a seasoned vessel in the Canadian inland fleet.
On September 5, 1905, while on Lake Huron near Cape Croker, the tug caught fire. There is no evidence that the fire was caused by external factors; rather, it was likely an internal mechanical or stove-based blaze—a frequent risk for wooden steamers of the era. The crew escaped, and there were no fatalities. The fire consumed the vessel entirely, leading to her classification as a total constructive loss.
Significant Incidents
- September 5, 1905: The A. Seaman caught fire near Cape Croker, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
The A. Seaman was completely destroyed by fire and abandoned as a total loss. There is no indication of salvage operations or successful recovery of any significant portions of the hull or machinery.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck has not been located or positively identified in modern times.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”a-seaman-1873″ title=”References & Links”]
The A. Seaman’s story is emblematic of the risks faced by wooden steam-powered tugs operating on the Great Lakes. While not involved in a dramatic sinking or loss of life, her quiet end by fire highlights the everyday hazards of marine industry at the turn of the century. Her connection to Canadian inland service, particularly under Crawford Tug Co. out of Toronto, also reflects the cross-border nature of maritime operations in this era.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A. Seaman
- Former Names: None
- Registration Number: Not available
- Date Built and Launched: 1873, by Haught & Dunslaight, Buffalo, New York
- Measurements:
- Length: 70 feet (21.3 metres)
- Beam: 14 feet (4.3 metres)
- Depth: 7 feet (2.1 metres)
- Gross Tonnage: 76 tons (approx. 68.9 metric tonnes)
- Net Tonnage: 52 tons (approx. 47.2 metric tonnes)
- Date Lost: September 5, 1905
- Cause: Fire
- Cargo at Time of Loss: None reported
- Place of Loss: Near Cape Croker, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
Vessel Type
Wooden steam tug
Description
The A. Seaman was a compact, wooden-hulled steam tug built for utility service, typically in harbour and shoreline towing. She was designed for strength over cargo capacity, with modest dimensions and a small crew. Such vessels were vital support craft for larger steamers and sailing vessels operating in the Great Lakes.
History
Constructed in 1873 in Buffalo, New York, the A. Seaman was soon sold into Canadian service in 1874. She operated out of Toronto under the ownership of the Crawford Tug Company, likely providing towing and docking assistance along the Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay corridors. By the early 20th century, she was a seasoned vessel in the Canadian inland fleet.
On September 5, 1905, while on Lake Huron near Cape Croker, the tug caught fire. There is no evidence that the fire was caused by external factors; rather, it was likely an internal mechanical or stove-based blaze—a frequent risk for wooden steamers of the era. The crew escaped, and there were no fatalities. The fire consumed the vessel entirely, leading to her classification as a total constructive loss.
Final Disposition
The A. Seaman was completely destroyed by fire and abandoned as a total loss. There is no indication of salvage operations or successful recovery of any significant portions of the hull or machinery.
Located By & Date Found
Nil – The wreck has not been located or positively identified in modern times.
Notmars & Advisories
Nil – No navigational advisories or marine hazards listed at the presumed wreck site near Cape Croker.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – K
- Wisconsin Shipwreck Database
- Crawford Tug Company History (archival)
Conclusion
The A. Seaman’s story is emblematic of the risks faced by wooden steam-powered tugs operating on the Great Lakes. While not involved in a dramatic sinking or loss of life, her quiet end by fire highlights the everyday hazards of marine industry at the turn of the century. Her connection to Canadian inland service, particularly under Crawford Tug Co. out of Toronto, also reflects the cross-border nature of maritime operations in this era.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: A. Seaman, Georgian Bay, Crawford Tug Company, steam tug fire, Cape Croker shipwreck
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Wooden Steam Tugs, Maritime Fires, Canadian Tug Fleet
- Glossary Terms:
- Steam Tug: A small, steam-powered vessel used primarily for towing and manoeuvring larger ships.
- Total Constructive Loss: Maritime insurance term meaning the cost of repairs exceeds the vessel’s value.
- Georgian Bay: A northeastern extension of Lake Huron, known for its rugged shorelines and high shipwreck density.