Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bob Hackett
- Type: Propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: J.P. Jones, Amherstburg, Ontario
- Dimensions: 92 ft x 15 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 134 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4.88 m / 16 ft
- Location: Near Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island, Detroit River
- Official Number: Canadian registry (unlisted)
- Original Owners: Multiple owners over the years
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Bob Hackett was a wooden propeller steam tug, commonly used in towing operations along the Detroit River and surrounding Great Lakes waterways. Built in 1868, she was later rebuilt in 1871-72, when she was lengthened by 25 feet.
Description
The Bob Hackett was a workhorse of the Detroit River, regularly employed for towing and other harbor duties. She changed owners several times and suffered multiple incidents, including fires and sinkings, in the years leading up to her final loss in 1885.
History
On the evening of September 8, 1885, the Bob Hackett was navigating the busy Detroit River near Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island when she collided with the propeller steamer St. Magnus. The accident happened suddenly—within three minutes, the Bob Hackett had sunk in 16 feet of water. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the very vessel that struck them.
Reports from other vessels in the area suggested that St. Magnus’ lights were too dim to be seen, leading to initial blame being placed on the steamer. A judge awarded damages to the owners of the Bob Hackett, but this ruling was later overturned—it was determined that the tug had misunderstood signals and cut in front of the steamer, leading to the collision.
Prior to this final disaster, the Bob Hackett had a history of misfortune. Within five years before her loss, she had already sunk three times and suffered multiple fires. Despite being rebuilt, lengthened, and extensively repaired, she was ultimately lost in this tragic accident.
Significant Incidents
- Collided with the propeller steamer St. Magnus on September 8, 1885.
- Had previously sunk three times and suffered multiple fires in the years leading up to her loss.
Final Disposition
In May 1886, her boiler and engine were removed, and the remaining hull was blown up to clear the navigation channel.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no official records of the wreck being located, as it was destroyed following salvage operations.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bob-hackett-1885″ title=”References & Links”]
The Bob Hackett was a tough little vessel with an unlucky history. Though she served for over 17 years, repeated mishaps and her final collision with the St. Magnus sealed her fate. The wreckage was destroyed, but her story remains part of the rich maritime history of the Detroit River and the Great Lakes.
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.
The Wreck of the Bob Hackett (1885)
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Bob Hackett
- Former Names: None
- Official Number: Canadian registry (unlisted)
- Date Built: 1868
- Builder: J.P. Jones, Amherstburg, Ontario
- Vessel Type: Propeller steam tug, wood
- Hull Dimensions: 92 ft x 15 ft, 134 gross tons
- Date Lost: September 8, 1885
- Place of Loss: Near Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island, Detroit River
- Cause of Loss: Collision
- Cargo: None
- Loss of Life: None
Vessel Type
The Bob Hackett was a wooden propeller steam tug, commonly used in towing operations along the Detroit River and surrounding Great Lakes waterways. Built in 1868, she was later rebuilt in 1871-72, when she was lengthened by 25 feet.
Description
The Bob Hackett was a workhorse of the Detroit River, regularly employed for towing and other harbor duties. She changed owners several times and suffered multiple incidents, including fires and sinkings, in the years leading up to her final loss in 1885.
History
On the evening of September 8, 1885, the Bob Hackett was navigating the busy Detroit River near Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island when she collided with the propeller steamer St. Magnus. The accident happened suddenly—within three minutes, the Bob Hackett had sunk in 16 feet of water. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the very vessel that struck them.
Reports from other vessels in the area suggested that St. Magnus’ lights were too dim to be seen, leading to initial blame being placed on the steamer. A judge awarded damages to the owners of the Bob Hackett, but this ruling was later overturned—it was determined that the tug had misunderstood signals and cut in front of the steamer, leading to the collision.
Prior to this final disaster, the Bob Hackett had a history of misfortune. Within five years before her loss, she had already sunk three times and suffered multiple fires. Despite being rebuilt, lengthened, and extensively repaired, she was ultimately lost in this tragic accident.
Final Disposition
In May 1886, her boiler and engine were removed, and the remaining hull was blown up to clear the navigation channel.
Located By & Date Found
There are no official records of the wreck being located, as it was destroyed following salvage operations.
Notmars & Advisories
Nil returns.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Canadian Ship Registry Archives
- Local newspaper archives from Windsor, Ontario
Conclusion
The Bob Hackett was a tough little vessel with an unlucky history. Though she served for over 17 years, repeated mishaps and her final collision with the St. Magnus sealed her fate. The wreckage was destroyed, but her story remains part of the rich maritime history of the Detroit River and the Great Lakes.
bob-hackett-1885 1885-09-08 07:56:00