Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Annie Moiles
- Type: Wooden steam tug
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: J. Moiles, East Saginaw, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 86 ft (26.2 m); Beam: 16 ft (4.9 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 73 tons
- Location: Ecorse, Michigan, Detroit River
- Official Number: 1579
- Original Owners: Nicholson Universal Steamship Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled propeller steam tug (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Description
The Annie Moiles was a wooden steam tug built in 1867 by J. Moiles in East Saginaw, Michigan. Measuring 86 feet in length, she was designed for towing operations on the Great Lakes and connected waterways. Throughout her 62-year career, she underwent multiple ownership changes and served various roles, including salvage and towing services. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
History
The Annie Moiles had a long and eventful operational history:
- 1904: Capsized in the “whirlpool” near Sarnia, Ontario, on the St. Clair River, resulting in the loss of seven lives. She was salvaged by her owner, Tom Reid. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- 1922: Suffered a major collision off Detroit and was declared a total loss. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- February 2, 1929: While docked at Ecorse, Michigan, the Annie Moiles caught fire and burned to a total loss. At the time, she was owned by Nicholson Universal Steamship Co., Detroit. The cause of the fire is not documented, and it is unclear if there were any casualties. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Significant Incidents
- 1904: Capsized in the “whirlpool” near Sarnia, Ontario, resulting in the loss of seven lives.
- 1922: Suffered a major collision off Detroit and was declared a total loss.
- February 2, 1929: Caught fire while docked at Ecorse, Michigan, leading to total loss.
Final Disposition
The Annie Moiles was destroyed by fire in 1929 and was not rebuilt. Given the nature of her destruction and the location, it is unlikely that any significant wreckage remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the Annie Moiles has been located or explored by maritime archaeologists or divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”annie-moiles-us-1579″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Annie Moiles served the Great Lakes region for over six decades, a testament to her construction and the demands of maritime commerce during that era. Her loss in 1929 marked the end of a vessel that had witnessed significant events and changes in the shipping industry. While her physical remnants may no longer exist, her story remains a part of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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