Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Arbutus
- Type: Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: W. McDonnell in Wallaceburg, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 63 ft (19.2 m); Beam: 15 ft (4.6 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 49 tons; Net Tonnage: 34 tons
- Location: Lake Superior, near Deer Park, Michigan (approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Marais)
- Official Number: C 92642
- Original Owners: William Patterson, R. Chapman, W. Vandusen, Central Contracting Co., S. Wright
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Arbutus was a steam-powered tugboat, a versatile vessel designed for towing and other support roles in harbors and along waterways. Its compact size and powerful propulsion made it ideal for navigating the often-challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Built for durability, the Arbutus was used for a variety of tasks, from assisting larger ships to transporting cargo.
Description
The Arbutus was constructed in 1887 in Wallaceburg, Ontario, for William Patterson, a local businessman. Initially valued at $6,000, the vessel quickly became a staple in the area’s maritime activities.
In 1891, the Arbutus suffered a devastating fire while docked in Wallaceburg. Although significantly damaged, the vessel was repaired and returned to service, highlighting its owners’ dedication to maintaining this critical asset.
History
Over its long operational life, the Arbutus changed ownership multiple times:
- 1895: Owned by R. Chapman of Lion’s Head, Ontario
- 1901: Owned by W. Vandusen of Lion’s Head
- 1917: Acquired by the Central Contracting Co. of Fort William, Ontario
- 1921: Purchased by S. Wright of Port Arthur
The vessel’s diverse ownership reflects its adaptability and the economic demands of the Great Lakes region.
Significant Incidents
Final Incident and Sinking:
On November 24, 1921, the Arbutus foundered in Lake Superior during a storm near Deer Park, Michigan. At the time, the vessel was en route from The Canadian Soo to Marquette, escorted by a U.S. Revenue Cutter. The tug had been detained for its role in rumrunning during Prohibition. Its crew was under arrest, and the vessel was being returned to its mortgage holder.
Despite the presence of the escort, the Arbutus succumbed to the rough waters, sinking while the cutter observed from nearby. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties in the incident.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Arbutus lies in Lake Superior’s cold waters, likely preserved due to the lake’s low temperatures and freshwater environment. Its exact location remains undocumented, and no salvage attempts have been recorded.
Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the wreck of the Arbutus.
Located By & Date: The wreck’s exact position has not been discovered or surveyed. Its final resting place, approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Marais, remains a point of interest for researchers and divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is likely well-preserved due to the cold, deep waters of Lake Superior. Its small size and age may make it difficult to locate without advanced sonar equipment.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”arbutus-c-92642″ title=”References & Links”]
The Arbutus was a resilient and adaptable steam tug that served the Great Lakes for over three decades. Its final chapter as a vessel caught in the crossfire of Prohibition-era rumrunning adds an element of intrigue to its story. The vessel’s loss in 1921 during an escorted journey highlights the unforgiving nature of Lake Superior, even for experienced operators. Today, the Arbutus is remembered as a piece of Great Lakes maritime history and a symbol of the region’s dynamic and perilous waterways.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →