Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bayport (formerly Fairport)
- Type: Steel, Steam-Powered Propeller Tugboat
- Year Built: 1914
- Builder: Great Lakes Towing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length 72 ft (21.95 m); Beam 17 ft (5.18 m); Depth of hold 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 65 tons
- Location: Near Collingwood, Ontario, Lake Huron
- Original Owners: Great Lakes Towing Company, Canadian owners, Canada Steamship Lines
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Bayport was a steel-hulled tugboat with a steam-powered engine, later converted to oil power. Designed for towing and icebreaking, its robust construction included a reinforced bow to navigate harsh Great Lakes winters. Tugboats like the Bayport were vital to shipping operations, providing assistance to larger vessels in harbors and along treacherous waterways.
Description
The tugboat began its service in 1914 as the Fairport, constructed for the Great Lakes Towing Company. Its role included icebreaking and towing in the Great Lakes. In 1941, the vessel was sold to Canadian owners, renamed Bayport, and based in Midland, Ontario. It became a key player in maintaining shipping lanes, particularly for grain carriers, during the winter months.
History
In 1943, the Bayport became part of Canada Steamship Lines’ fleet. On June 22, 1959, while assisting the steamer Captain C.D. Secord near Collingwood, Ontario, the Bayport capsized after becoming entangled in its tow cable. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of three of the six crew members aboard.
Despite the calamity, the vessel was salvaged shortly after its sinking. Over the winter of 1959-1960, it underwent extensive repairs and modifications, including conversion from steam to oil power. Renamed Tug A in 1962 and later Twin Port in 1963, the vessel continued to serve in various roles until the late 1970s.
Significant Incidents
- June 22, 1959: The Bayport capsized while assisting the steamer Captain C.D. Secord, resulting in the deaths of three crew members.
Final Disposition
The Bayport met its end in a tragic accident on June 22, 1959, but was salvaged and repaired to resume service under new names. The vessel remained in operation until the late 1970s, highlighting its resilience and utility despite its earlier disaster.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was located shortly after its sinking in June 1959. The vessel was successfully raised and repaired.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bayport-fairport” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the Bayport, from its early service as the Fairport to its catastrophic sinking and remarkable recovery, embodies the resilience of the Great Lakes maritime industry. This vessel’s history reflects the critical role tugboats played in maintaining commerce and navigation through treacherous waters. The Bayport’s recovery and continued service until the late 1970s exemplify the determination of its owners and crew to preserve its utility and legacy, despite the risks and losses endured.
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
- Name: Bayport (formerly Fairport)
- Type: Steel, Steam-Powered Propeller Tugboat
- Built: 1914, by Great Lakes Towing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
- Hull Dimensions:
- Length: 72 feet (21.95 metres)
- Beam: 17 feet (5.18 metres)
- Depth: 12 feet (3.66 metres)
- Gross Tonnage: 65 tons
- Net Tonnage: 31 tons
- Final Location: Near Collingwood, Ontario, Lake Huron
- Status: Capsized and sank on June 22, 1959; raised, repaired, and returned to service.
Vessel Type Description
The Bayport was a steel-hulled tugboat with a steam-powered engine, later converted to oil power. Designed for towing and icebreaking, its robust construction included a reinforced bow to navigate harsh Great Lakes winters. Tugboats like the Bayport were vital to shipping operations, providing assistance to larger vessels in harbors and along treacherous waterways.
History
The tugboat began its service in 1914 as the Fairport, constructed for the Great Lakes Towing Company. Its role included icebreaking and towing in the Great Lakes. In 1941, the vessel was sold to Canadian owners, renamed Bayport, and based in Midland, Ontario. It became a key player in maintaining shipping lanes, particularly for grain carriers, during the winter months.
In 1943, the Bayport became part of Canada Steamship Lines’ fleet. On June 22, 1959, while assisting the steamer Captain C.D. Secord near Collingwood, Ontario, the Bayport capsized after becoming entangled in its tow cable. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of three of the six crew members aboard.
Despite the calamity, the vessel was salvaged shortly after its sinking. Over the winter of 1959-1960, it underwent extensive repairs and modifications, including conversion from steam to oil power. Renamed Tug A in 1962 and later Twin Port in 1963, the vessel continued to serve in various roles until the late 1970s.
Final Disposition
The Bayport met its end in a tragic accident on June 22, 1959, but was salvaged and repaired to resume service under new names. The vessel remained in operation until the late 1970s, highlighting its resilience and utility despite its earlier disaster.
Located By & Date
The wreck was located shortly after its sinking in June 1959. The vessel was successfully raised and repaired.
Notices & Advisories
NOTMARs: There are no active Notices to Mariners related to the wreck site of the Bayport.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University’s Great Lakes Ships Database
Keywords Bayport Fairport Tugboat Great Lakes shipwreck Collingwood Lake Huron Canada Steamship Lines Maritime history Great Lakes Towing Company
Conclusion
The story of the Bayport, from its early service as the Fairport to its catastrophic sinking and remarkable recovery, embodies the resilience of the Great Lakes maritime industry. This vessel’s history reflects the critical role tugboats played in maintaining commerce and navigation through treacherous waters. The Bayport’s recovery and continued service until the late 1970s exemplify the determination of its owners and crew to preserve its utility and legacy, despite the risks and losses endured.
bayport-fairport 1959-06-22 07:51:00