Brown Brothers – Lake Erie Tug Shipwreck (1959)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Brown Brothers
• Type: Fish Tug (originally wooden tugboat)
• Year Built: 1915
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 75.16 ft (22.9 m); Beam: 16.42 ft (5.0 m); Depth of hold: 7.58 ft (2.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 35 m / 120 ft
• Location: Long Point, Lake Erie, approximately 5.7 miles off the Long Point light
• Coordinates: N 42° 37.647 W 080° 00.912
• Official Number: 133792
• Original Owners: A.C. and C.E. Brown, A.C. Brown and C.A. McCorkell, Albert Henning, T.A. Ivey & Sons, Harry Gambel

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Brown Brothers was a wooden fish tug with origins as a tugboat. Registered under the Canadian flag with official number 133792, it was a workhorse of Lake Erie, used for towing and later repurposed for fishing. In the late 1940s, the vessel underwent significant modifications, including a conversion to diesel power, enhancing its utility and efficiency.

Description

The Brown Brothers was originally built as the Brown Bros. in 1915. Designed as a wooden tugboat, the vessel was part of a lineage of durable workboats that were integral to the shipping and fishing industries on the Great Lakes. Early in its career, it was owned by A.C. and C.E. Brown of Port Stanley, Ontario. Its robust construction made it suitable for towing and nearshore operations.

History

Ownership Changes
Over the decades, the vessel changed hands multiple times:

• Initially owned by A.C. and C.E. Brown of Port Stanley.
• Later sold to A.C. Brown and C.A. McCorkell of St. Thomas, Ontario.
• By the 1940s, it was owned by Albert Henning of Port Burwell.
• In 1945, it was purchased by T.A. Ivey & Sons of Port Dover and renamed Iveyrose.
• By 1951, the vessel reverted to its original name, Brown Brothers, under the ownership of Harry Gambel.

Renaming and Modifications
During its time with T.A. Ivey & Sons, the vessel underwent significant changes, including a conversion to diesel power. It was briefly renamed Iveyrose from 1947 to 1951 before reclaiming its original name. These updates reflected the shifting needs of its owners and advancements in marine technology.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage
On October 28, 1959, the Brown Brothers foundered during a gale approximately 5.7 miles off Long Point in Lake Erie. The vessel was under tow by the tugboat Luke when it sank. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. Despite salvage attempts, the vessel was declared a total loss and remains submerged near the site of its sinking.

Final Disposition

The Brown Brothers lies at a depth of 120 feet (35 meters) near Long Point in Lake Erie. The wreck site is accessible to advanced divers, though visibility and conditions in the area can be challenging due to currents and sedimentation.

NOTMARs & Advisories
No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck of the Brown Brothers. Divers and researchers are advised to exercise caution due to the depth and environmental conditions.

Located By & Date
The wreck site is known and documented through sonar and historical records. Modern diving and research have confirmed its location, though the exact date of its rediscovery is unspecified.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Brown Brothers is in a confirmed state, lying submerged at a significant depth. Advanced divers should prepare for challenging conditions, including potential low visibility and strong currents.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the wreck of the Brown Brothers, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and be the diver that makes a difference by ensuring the preservation of this maritime heritage.