Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ANNA DOBBINS
- Type: Propeller Tug
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: Mills & Welch
- Dimensions: Length 110.5 ft (33.7 m); Beam 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold 10 ft (3.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 175 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 60 ft
- Location: Approximately 8 miles northeast of Charities Shoal
- Original Owners: Thomas D. Dole (original owner)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ANNA DOBBINS was a small but powerful tug designed for towing operations, capable of navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes and connecting rivers. It featured a single direct-acting engine and a propeller crafted using the advanced Philadelphia pattern, emphasizing reliability and efficiency.
Description
The ANNA DOBBINS was launched in 1862 for Thomas D. Dole. Built with a focus on durability and towing capacity, the vessel quickly found a niche in the bustling maritime economy of the Great Lakes. Initially captained by John Rice, it operated successfully as a towing vessel, playing an integral role in moving barges and other vessels across the lakes.
By 1886, the tug had been in service for 24 years, demonstrating remarkable longevity for its time. However, on September 27, 1886, the vessel met its demise while en route from Cleveland to Bay City. The tug sank in 10 fathoms of water (60 feet, 18 meters) approximately 8 miles northeast of the Charities Shoal after a failure in its stern pipe caused catastrophic flooding. Fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed.
History
The ANNA DOBBINS was initially declared lost after sinking in 1886. However, it was later raised and repaired for continued service in Bay City. Confusion regarding its identity as ANNA P. DOBBINS appears in some records, though no distinct vessel with this name is known.
Significant Incidents
- The vessel sank on September 27, 1886, due to a failure in its stern pipe, leading to catastrophic flooding.
- The crew escaped unharmed during the sinking.
Final Disposition
The ANNA DOBBINS was initially declared lost after sinking in 1886. However, it was later raised and repaired for continued service in Bay City. Confusion regarding its identity as ANNA P. DOBBINS appears in some records, though no distinct vessel with this name is known.
Current Condition & Accessibility
If any remnants exist, they would be located approximately 8 miles northeast of Charities Shoal in 10 fathoms (60 feet) of water. However, the vessel’s reported recovery and repair suggest that little, if any, of the original wreck remains at the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”anna-dobbins-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
The ANNA DOBBINS serves as a historical reminder of the maritime activities on the Great Lakes in the 19th century, particularly in towing operations. Its legacy continues to be of interest to maritime historians and divers alike.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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