Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Belle King
- Type: Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: G. Fordham, Toledo, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length 37 ft (11.3 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 37 gross tons; 18 net tons
- Location: Peach Point, South Bass Island, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Official Number: 2152
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Belle King was a wooden-hulled propeller steam tug, a type of vessel commonly used in the 19th century for towing and assisting larger ships in harbours and along the Great Lakes. These tugs were essential for manoeuvring vessels in confined or challenging waters, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Description
Constructed in 1863 by G. Fordham in Toledo, Ohio, the Belle King was a modestly sized steam tug, measuring 37 gross tons and 18 net tons. Her wooden hull and steam propulsion system were typical of the era’s tugboats, designed for durability and reliability in the demanding environments of the Great Lakes.
History
On July 18, 1877, the Belle King encountered a severe gale on Lake Erie near Peach Point, South Bass Island. The vessel sprang a leak during the storm, leading to her stranding and eventual capsizing. The crew abandoned the tug as she began to overturn. Despite the perilous conditions, all crew members survived the incident. The Belle King was declared a total loss following the accident.
Significant Incidents
- July 18, 1877: The Belle King sprang a leak during a severe gale, stranded, and began to capsize. All crew members survived.
Final Disposition
After the incident, the Belle King was deemed a total loss. There is no available information regarding salvage operations or the current state of the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Belle King has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Belle King in 1877 highlights the challenges faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, vessels remained vulnerable to the region’s unpredictable and often severe weather conditions. The incident underscores the importance of continued vigilance and respect for the power of nature in maritime activities.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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