Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Acme (Music)US 90671

Explore the wreck of the Acme, a historic tugboat sunk in Lake Huron, offering advanced divers a glimpse into 19th-century maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: ACME (originally MUSIC)
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Builder: Builder unknown
  • Dimensions: Length 125 ft (38.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 320.46 tons (gross); 234.06 tons (net)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 68.6 m / 225 ft
  • Location: Lake Huron, approximately 25 miles from Black River, Michigan
  • Coordinates: N42.844967, W78.96395
  • Original Owners: Michigan Log Towing Company, Saginaw, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ACME, originally named MUSIC, was a wooden-hulled tugboat built to tow large log rafts and other freight across the Great Lakes. Its robust design reflected the demanding work of towing in the harsh environments of Lake Huron.

Description

Built in 1874, the ACME was a durable and versatile vessel. Its 125-foot wooden hull and significant gross tonnage made it suitable for heavy-duty towing, particularly in support of Michigan’s logging industry. The Michigan Log Towing Company of Saginaw operated the vessel as part of its fleet, emphasizing its role in transporting timber across Lake Huron.

History

The ACME served as a critical link in Michigan’s logging operations, towing massive log rafts across Lake Huron to processing facilities. By 1893, the vessel had accumulated nearly two decades of service. On October 14, 1893, the ACME encountered severe weather on Lake Huron. Despite the storm’s intensity, all crew members were successfully rescued, and there were no casualties.

Significant Incidents

  • October 14, 1893: The ACME sank during severe weather on Lake Huron; all crew members were rescued.

Final Disposition

The ACME sank to its final resting place in Lake Huron at a depth of 225 feet. While its exact circumstances are not widely detailed, its loss reflects the challenges of maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is located in deep water, making it a site for advanced technical divers. Structural remnants, including the wooden hull, offer insights into tugboat construction of the era. Visibility and conditions can be variable, necessitating careful preparation and experienced guides.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The ACME is a significant piece of Great Lakes history, illustrating the vital role of tugboats in the region’s industrial development. Its wreck, preserved in the depths of Lake Huron, remains a testament to the challenges of maritime commerce in the 19th century.