Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Barbara Lyn
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1958
- Builder: Bryant Boats Inc., Bayou La Batre, Alabama
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 6.1 m / 20 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, off Port Austin, Michigan
- Official Number: 276723
- Original Owners: U.S. Leasing of Mobile; Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Sales; R.K. Davis Transportation Inc.; C & P Towing Company; Ryba Marine Construction
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Barbara Lyn, originally named Sumpter, was a tugboat designed for towing and assisting marine vessels, primarily for industrial and construction-related purposes. The tugboat featured robust construction suitable for handling heavy towing operations across inland waterways and open lakes.
Description
The Barbara Lyn began its life in 1958 as Sumpter, built by Bryant Boats Inc. in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Initially owned by U.S. Leasing of Mobile, the vessel underwent several ownership changes during its active service:
- 1961: Acquired by Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Sales, Mobile, Alabama.
- 1968: Purchased by R.K. Davis Transportation Inc., Newport News, Virginia.
- 1972: Transferred to C & P Towing Company, Norfolk, Virginia.
- Late 1980s: Acquired by Ryba Marine Construction, Cheboygan, Michigan, and renamed Barbara Lyn.
History
On October 1, 1990, while towing two construction barges bound for Alpena, Michigan, the Barbara Lyn encountered severe weather in Lake Huron. Battling 12-foot seas, the tugboat capsized and sank. Tragically, one crew member lost their life during the incident.
Initially, the wreck rested at a depth of 208 feet in Lake Huron. In 2014, a salvage operation successfully raised the Barbara Lyn to the surface. However, bad weather during the process led to the tug being grounded near Port Austin, Michigan. A subsequent storm caused further damage, including the destruction of the pilothouse, and the vessel resank in shallower waters, where it now lies at a depth of 20 feet.
Significant Incidents
- October 1, 1990: The Barbara Lyn capsized and sank while towing construction barges in severe weather.
- 2014: The wreck was salvaged but was damaged and resank near Port Austin.
Final Disposition
The Barbara Lyn currently rests in 20 feet of water off Port Austin, Michigan, making it an accessible site for exploration and diving. The wreck remains partially intact but shows signs of damage from the storm that destroyed its pilothouse.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Barbara Lyn lies in 20 feet of water, making it accessible for recreational diving. The site provides a fascinating look at a modern tugboat wreck but may pose challenges due to potential structural instability caused by the storms.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”barbara-lyn-sumpter-276723″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the Barbara Lyn, formerly the Sumpter, is one of resilience, loss, and eventual rediscovery. From its construction in Alabama to its sinking in the stormy waters of Lake Huron, the vessel’s history reflects the unpredictable and often perilous nature of maritime operations. Today, its resting place near Port Austin offers a window into the challenges faced by modern tugboats and a unique dive site for enthusiasts exploring the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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