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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”blanche-shelby-c-71225″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Blanche Shelby
- Former Names: Also recorded as Blanch Shelby
- Official Registry Number: C71225
- Date Built & Launched: 1874
- Builder: Joseph Day, Buffalo, New York
- Construction: Wooden, propeller-driven tug
- Dimensions: 42 feet (12.8 metres) in length, 9 feet (2.7 metres) in beam, 4 feet (1.2 metres) in depth
- Tonnage: 21 gross tons, 12 net tons
- Date Lost: October 15, 1885
- Place of Loss: Fishing Islands, Lake Huron, Ontario(glska.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Vessel Typ
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. (glska.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
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.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, the wreck site of the Blanche Shelby has not been located or documented.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no known navigational markers or advisories related to the Blanche Shelby wreckage.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
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.
blanche-shelby-c-71225 1885-10-15 17:04:00