Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: America
- Type: Oil Screw Fish Tug
- Year Built: 1917
- Builder: E. F. Anclan? (likely E.F. Anclam), Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length 32 ft (9.8 m); Beam 9 ft (2.7 m); Depth of hold 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 13 tons; Net Tonnage: 9 tons
- Location: 5 miles off Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 217862
- Original Owners: N.J. Daubner
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The America was a wooden oil screw fish tug, built in 1917 in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin, a town known for its commercial fishing industry. Fish tugs were specialized vessels designed for nearshore fishing operations on the Great Lakes, characterized by their sturdy construction and enclosed cabins to protect the crew from the harsh conditions often encountered on the lakes.
Description
At 32 feet in length, with a beam of 9 feet, and a depth of 4 feet, the America was a small but robust vessel typical of the Great Lakes fishing fleet. Powered by an oil screw engine, the America reflected the technological shift from steam to internal combustion engines that occurred in the early 20th century, allowing for greater reliability and efficiency in fishing operations.
History
The America operated out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was owned by N.J. Daubner at the time of her loss. Like many fish tugs of her era, she would have been involved in the commercial fishing trade, likely targeting species such as lake trout, whitefish, and perch, which were vital to the regional economy.
Fishing vessels like the America played an essential role in supporting local economies along the shores of Lake Michigan, supplying fresh fish to markets in cities such as Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Chicago.
Significant Incidents
On May 5, 1950, the America encountered a sudden squall while operating 5 miles off Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
- The sudden squall brought high winds and rough seas, conditions common in spring on Lake Michigan.
- The vessel foundered—a term indicating that she took on water and sank—before being able to reach safety.
- There are no confirmed details regarding loss of life or whether the crew managed to escape before the vessel sank.
Final Disposition
The America was lost off Sturgeon Bay, and there are no records of recovery. Given her small size and the depth of Lake Michigan, it is likely that the vessel remains submerged near the area where she sank.
There is no confirmed discovery of the America‘s wreck. However, the Sturgeon Bay area is a well-known diving destination with numerous shipwrecks, and the remains of the America may still exist, potentially yet to be identified.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The waters around Sturgeon Bay and the Door Peninsula are known for sudden weather changes and treacherous squalls. Mariners should exercise caution and monitor weather conditions closely when operating in these waters, especially in the spring and fall seasons.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”america-us-217862″ title=”References & Links”]
The America‘s loss in 1950 underscores the dangers faced by commercial fishermen on the Great Lakes, where sudden squalls and unpredictable weather could quickly turn routine operations into disasters. Built in 1917 in Bailey’s Harbor, the America was part of the vital fishing fleet that supported the economies of Wisconsin and surrounding states. While small in size, vessels like the America were critical to the Great Lakes fishing industry. Her sinking near Sturgeon Bay serves as a reminder of the perils of maritime life and the fragility of the fishing communities that depended on these boats.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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