Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Commodore Jack Barry
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: James Elliott, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 71 ft (21.6 m); Beam: 16 ft (4.9 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Superior Harbor, Superior, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: Latitude N 46° 41.384′, Longitude W 091° 59.541′
- Official Number: U126355
- Original Owners: Barry brothers (Miles, John, and Thomas)
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Commodore Jack Barry was a wooden tugboat with a steam-powered propeller, designed for towing operations in harbors and nearshore waters. The tug was known for its speed and reliability, standing as one of the fastest tugs on Lake Michigan during its time. It served primarily as a utility vessel for assisting other ships in Muskegon Harbor and nearby areas.
Description
The tug was built in 1885 by James Elliott in Saugatuck, Michigan. It was initially owned by the Barry brothers (Miles, John, and Thomas) of Muskegon, Michigan. Named after Commodore John Barry, a Revolutionary War naval hero, the tug symbolized the Barry family’s maritime heritage.
History
The Commodore Jack Barry earned a reputation for excellence in towing and harbor assistance operations. It was frequently seen navigating Muskegon Harbor and Lake Michigan, where it participated in towing tasks and even races, cementing its reputation as a swift and efficient vessel.
Fiery Trials:
The vessel endured two catastrophic fires during its career:
- 1887 Fire: The tug caught fire on Muskegon Lake, suffering damages estimated at $4,000. Despite the extensive damage, it was rebuilt, showcasing the resilience of the Barry family and their commitment to their maritime operations.
- 1897 Fire: On October 30, 1897, while in Superior Harbor, a fire erupted forward of the pilot house. The flames spread rapidly, consuming the tug entirely. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, the Commodore Jack Barry was destroyed, marking the end of its operational life.
Significant Incidents
The Commodore Jack Barry was lost to fire in Superior Harbor, Superior, Wisconsin, on October 30, 1897. The wreckage lies submerged in Lake Superior at a shallow depth of approximately 10 feet (3 meters).
Final Disposition
The wreck remains at a shallow depth in Superior Harbor. Given the shallow waters, parts of the wreck may be visible depending on water conditions and sedimentation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is accessible to divers and snorkelers. However, the shallow depth and location within a harbor may limit visibility and make the wreck prone to interference from boat traffic.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”commodore-jack-barry-us-126355-constitution-jack-berry” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Commodore Jack Barry holds a unique place in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its multiple rebuilds and continued service after disasters highlight the tenacity of its owners and the vessel’s importance in the region’s maritime trade. Named after an American naval hero, the tug symbolizes the spirit of resilience and innovation that characterized the maritime industry during the late 19th century.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: Commodore Jack Barry
- Alternate Names: Constitution (predecessor designation), Misspelled as Jack Berry
- Official Number: U126355
- Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: James Elliott, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Length: 71 feet (21.6 meters)
- Beam: 16 feet (4.9 meters)
- Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: Not specified
- Final Location: Superior Harbor, Superior, Wisconsin, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Latitude N 46° 41.384′, Longitude W 091° 59.541′
- Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)
Vessel Type Description
The Commodore Jack Barry was a wooden tugboat with a steam-powered propeller, designed for towing operations in harbors and nearshore waters. The tug was known for its speed and reliability, standing as one of the fastest tugs on Lake Michigan during its time. It served primarily as a utility vessel for assisting other ships in Muskegon Harbor and nearby areas.
History
Construction and Ownership:
The tug was built in 1885 by James Elliott in Saugatuck, Michigan. It was initially owned by the Barry brothers (Miles, John, and Thomas) of Muskegon, Michigan. Named after Commodore John Barry, a Revolutionary War naval hero, the tug symbolized the Barry family’s maritime heritage.
Early Service:
The Commodore Jack Barry earned a reputation for excellence in towing and harbor assistance operations. It was frequently seen navigating Muskegon Harbor and Lake Michigan, where it participated in towing tasks and even races, cementing its reputation as a swift and efficient vessel.
Fiery Trials:
The vessel endured two catastrophic fires during its career:
- 1887 Fire: The tug caught fire on Muskegon Lake, suffering damages estimated at $4,000. Despite the extensive damage, it was rebuilt, showcasing the resilience of the Barry family and their commitment to their maritime operations.
- 1897 Fire: On October 30, 1897, while in Superior Harbor, a fire erupted forward of the pilot house. The flames spread rapidly, consuming the tug entirely. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, the Commodore Jack Barry was destroyed, marking the end of its operational life.
Final Disposition
The Commodore Jack Barry was lost to fire in Superior Harbor, Superior, Wisconsin, on October 30, 1897. The wreckage lies submerged in Lake Superior at a shallow depth of approximately 10 feet (3 meters).
NOTMARs & Advisories
Current Notices: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck. However, caution is advised when navigating the harbor due to the potential presence of submerged debris from the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
- Condition: The wreck remains at a shallow depth in Superior Harbor. Given the shallow waters, parts of the wreck may be visible depending on water conditions and sedimentation.
- Accessibility: The site is accessible to divers and snorkelers. However, the shallow depth and location within a harbor may limit visibility and make the wreck prone to interference from boat traffic.
Legacy
The Commodore Jack Barry holds a unique place in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its multiple rebuilds and continued service after disasters highlight the tenacity of its owners and the vessel’s importance in the region’s maritime trade. Named after an American naval hero, the tug symbolizes the spirit of resilience and innovation that characterized the maritime industry during the late 19th century.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Information on related shipwrecks and preservation efforts.
- NOAA Great Lakes Wreck Database: For detailed navigational charts and wreck records.
Keywords
#CommodoreJackBarry #Tugboat #LakeSuperior #GreatLakesShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #SuperiorHarbor #BarryBrothers
This report documents the history and loss of the Commodore Jack Barry, celebrating its role as a vital component of Great Lakes maritime operations while acknowledging the risks and challenges of 19th-century navigation.
Amid the bustling maritime activities on Lake Superior during the late 19th century, the tale of the tug Commodore Jack Barry stands as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the treacherous waters. From its origins in shipbuilding to its fiery demise, the Commodore Jack Barry’s history weaves a narrative of resilience, challenges, and ultimately, tragedy. commodore-jack-barry-u126355 1897-10-30 07:49:00