Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.M. Gifford
- Type: Tug (Towboat)
- Year Built: Pre-1889 (exact year unknown)
- Builder: Undocumented
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 9 m / 30 ft
- Location: A few miles off Waugoschance Point Lighthouse, Lake Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C.M. GIFFORD was a wooden-hulled screw tug, a common type of workboat on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Tugs like the GIFFORD performed essential duties towing sailing vessels, moving barges, and assisting in harbours, often operating under harsh and unpredictable lake conditions.
Description
Although specific build records for the GIFFORD are scarce, she was clearly active by the late 1880s, performing routine towing work on Lake Michigan. On 25 September 1889, while operating a tow several miles off Waugoschance Point Lighthouse, the tug was struck by one of the schooners it was towing. The collision capsized the GIFFORD, sending her to the bottom in 30 feet of water. Tragically, her engineer perished in the sinking.
History
The tug was lost as a result of the collision and capsizing. No record of salvage or recovery is noted.
Significant Incidents
- 25 September 1889: The C.M. Gifford was struck by a schooner under tow, capsized, and sank in Lake Michigan.
- Casualties: The engineer drowned in the incident.
Final Disposition
No modern dive or sonar survey is known to have positively identified the wreck site. The tug is presumed to be in relatively shallow water, approximately 30 feet (9 metres), though precise location details are not confirmed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Presumed to be in relatively shallow water, approximately 30 feet (9 metres), though precise location details are not confirmed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-m-gifford-1889″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the C.M. GIFFORD illustrates the dangers faced by Great Lakes tugs in their routine towing operations, particularly in congested shipping lanes and variable weather. Its loss was a reminder of how quickly working vessels could be overwhelmed by mishaps at sea.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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