Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Blanche Shelby
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven tug
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Joseph Day, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 42 ft (12.8 m); Beam 9 ft (2.7 m); Depth of hold 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 21 gross tons, 12 net tons
- Location: Fishing Islands, Lake Huron, Ontario
- Official Number: C71225
- Original Owners: Charlton & Bible
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven tug
Description
The Blanche Shelby was a wooden propeller-driven tug constructed in 1874 by Joseph Day in Buffalo, New York. Measuring 42 feet (12.8 metres) in length, with a beam of 9 feet (2.7 metres) and a depth of 4 feet (1.2 metres), she had a gross tonnage of 21 and a net tonnage of 12. Designed for towing and general utility work, she was a typical example of small tugs operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
History
On October 15, 1885, the Blanche Shelby departed Howdenvale, Ontario, bound for Southampton with a load of fish. While navigating the channel between Main Station Island and Burke Island in the Fishing Islands of Lake Huron, she struck a submerged rock and sank immediately. All crew members managed to escape safely and reached Main Station Island. At the time of the incident, the vessel was owned by Charlton & Bible and captained by Ed Currie. Notably, Mr. Charlton was momentarily at the helm when the vessel struck the rock. The official record indicates October 1887 as the date of her loss, but the document was not surrendered until 1896.
Significant Incidents
- October 15, 1885: The Blanche Shelby struck a submerged rock and sank in Lake Huron.
Final Disposition
The Blanche Shelby was declared a total loss after sinking near Burke Island in the Fishing Islands of Lake Huron. There are no records of salvage operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck site of the Blanche Shelby has not been located or documented.
Resources & Links
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The Blanche Shelby serves as a testament to the challenges faced by small utility vessels navigating the intricate channels of the Great Lakes. Her loss near Burke Island underscores the perils of maritime operations during that era, particularly in the face of hidden underwater hazards. While the exact location of her wreck remains unknown, the story of her final voyage contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Huron.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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