Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Daisy Lee
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Rouge River, Michigan
- Original Owners: Originally Geo. P. Felcher; possibly later under C.S. Hubbard, Chicago
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steam tug.
Description
A modest-sized wooden steam tug pivotal in towing barges on Michigan waterways. Powered by a propeller driven by a steam engine, she was fitted to haul freight like bulk goods or materials.
History
On 29 October 1887, while towing the barge MIDDLESEX, DAISY LEE caught fire on the river, then was taken offshore by an assisting tug to prevent damage to the dock. Despite intentions to scuttle her, she burned through her towline, drifted back to shore, and was consumed to the waterline. The crew and any barge personnel escaped safely.
She was active in the region’s tug-and-barge freight network—likely shuttling materials between ports like Detroit, Buffalo, Cleveland, and Duluth—but responsibly managed to prevent fires from further ravaging harbor structures thanks to quick towing responses.
Significant Incidents
- Caught fire while towing the barge MIDDLESEX, burned to the waterline.
Final Disposition
Scorched to the water’s edge and left as a derelict hulk. Declared a total loss and likely salvaged or removed from her final location later—no underwater wreck remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil return — no records indicate salvage removal or underwater site documentation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”daisy-lee-1864″ title=”References & Links”]
DAISY LEE was a wooden steam tug involved in river towing operations. On 29 October 1887, while handling the MIDDLESEX barge, she caught fire on the Rouge River. To protect shore infrastructure, she was towed offshore, but ultimately burned to the waterline and was abandoned—without loss of life.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →