Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Annie Laurie
- Type: Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: E. Haight, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length 84 ft (25.6 m); Beam 15 ft (4.6 m); Depth of hold 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross 31 tons; Net 22 tons
- Location: Near Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Approximately one mile off the entrance to the harbour of Erie, Pennsylvania
- Original Owners: F. W. Bacon & Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ANNIE LAURIE was a wooden propeller steam tug, a vessel type commonly used in the late 19th century for towing and transportation duties on the Great Lakes. Built in 1874 by E. Haight in Buffalo, New York, the tug measured 84 feet (25.6 metres) in length, 15 feet (4.6 metres) in beam, and 4 feet (1.2 metres) in depth. With a gross tonnage of 31 tons and a net tonnage of 22 tons, the vessel was modestly sized but versatile, powered by a steam boiler that underwent repairs in 1877.
Description
The ANNIE LAURIE was launched in 1874 and served for nearly two decades, playing a critical role in Great Lakes transportation and harbor operations. Initially associated with Saugatuck, Michigan, the tug provided towing and logistical support in the region, reflecting its importance in facilitating commerce and navigation.
By the 1890s, the ANNIE LAURIE was owned by F. W. Bacon & Co. of Erie, Pennsylvania, where it became an integral part of harbor operations, assisting with vessel movement and transport.
History
On August 19, 1893, the ANNIE LAURIE caught fire in Erie’s harbor. The crew, acting swiftly to mitigate the danger, beached the vessel in an effort to control the blaze. Despite these efforts, the tug eventually sank approximately one mile from the harbor entrance.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the crew’s quick actions likely prevented more significant damage to the harbor or other vessels nearby.
Significant Incidents
- August 19, 1893: The ANNIE LAURIE caught fire in Erie’s harbor and was beached to control the blaze.
- The vessel sank approximately one mile from the harbor entrance.
Final Disposition
The ANNIE LAURIE now rests on the bottom of Lake Erie, one mile off the harbor entrance near Erie, Pennsylvania. Given its history and the circumstances of its loss, the wreck may still be relatively intact, though specific details about its condition remain unknown.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not well-documented. Given the time since its sinking, the wooden structure may have deteriorated significantly. The site holds potential interest for divers and maritime historians, but exploration requires further investigation and documentation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”annie-laurie-1874″ title=”References & Links”]
The ANNIE LAURIE is a prime example of the steam tugs that formed the backbone of 19th-century Great Lakes maritime operations. Its loss due to fire highlights the inherent risks of working with wooden vessels powered by steam boilers. Although the vessel’s exact condition and location remain underexplored, the ANNIE LAURIE continues to be a symbol of the era’s industriousness and the challenges faced by those navigating the Great Lakes.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Wreck Name: ANNIE LAURIE
- Type: Propeller Steam Tug
- Date of Incident: August 19, 1893
- Location: Near Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Approximately one mile off the entrance to the harbour of Erie, Pennsylvania
- Depth: Not specified; vessel was beached before sinking
- Condition: Sunk after being beached due to fire
Vessel Type Description
The ANNIE LAURIE was a wooden propeller steam tug, a vessel type commonly used in the late 19th century for towing and transportation duties on the Great Lakes. Built in 1874 by E. Haight in Buffalo, New York, the tug measured 84 feet (25.6 metres) in length, 15 feet (4.6 metres) in beam, and 4 feet (1.2 metres) in depth. With a gross tonnage of 31 tons and a net tonnage of 22 tons, the vessel was modestly sized but versatile, powered by a steam boiler that underwent repairs in 1877.
History
The ANNIE LAURIE was launched in 1874 and served for nearly two decades, playing a critical role in Great Lakes transportation and harbor operations. Initially associated with Saugatuck, Michigan, the tug provided towing and logistical support in the region, reflecting its importance in facilitating commerce and navigation.
By the 1890s, the ANNIE LAURIE was owned by F. W. Bacon & Co. of Erie, Pennsylvania, where it became an integral part of harbor operations, assisting with vessel movement and transport.
The Incident
On August 19, 1893, the ANNIE LAURIE caught fire in Erie’s harbor. The crew, acting swiftly to mitigate the danger, beached the vessel in an effort to control the blaze. Despite these efforts, the tug eventually sank approximately one mile from the harbor entrance.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the crew’s quick actions likely prevented more significant damage to the harbor or other vessels nearby.
Final Disposition
The ANNIE LAURIE now rests on the bottom of Lake Erie, one mile off the harbor entrance near Erie, Pennsylvania. Given its history and the circumstances of its loss, the wreck may still be relatively intact, though specific details about its condition remain unknown.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the ANNIE LAURIE wreck site. Mariners and divers should exercise caution near the site due to potential submerged hazards.
Located By & Date
The wreck was documented shortly after its loss in 1893. Contemporary shipping and maritime records detail the events of the fire and subsequent sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not well-documented. Given the time since its sinking, the wooden structure may have deteriorated significantly. The site holds potential interest for divers and maritime historians, but exploration requires further investigation and documentation.
Resources & Links
Primary Sources:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Details
- Great Lakes Ships: Historical Data
- Merchant Vessels of the United States: Records by the U.S. Bureau of Customs
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Database of Incidents
Keywords
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #SteamTug #AnnieLaurie #19thCenturyShipping #EriePennsylvania #WoodenVessels #UnderwaterExploration
Conclusion
The ANNIE LAURIE is a prime example of the steam tugs that formed the backbone of 19th-century Great Lakes maritime operations. Its loss due to fire highlights the inherent risks of working with wooden vessels powered by steam boilers. Although the vessel’s exact condition and location remain underexplored, the ANNIE LAURIE continues to be a symbol of the era’s industriousness and the challenges faced by those navigating the Great Lakes.
annie-laurie-1874 1893-08-19 07:51:00