Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Delia B.
- Type: Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1910
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Detroit River
- Original Owners: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steam tug built for harbor and river operations, primarily used for towing barges and performing local duties.
Description
The Delia B. was a wooden steam tug constructed in 1910, primarily operating in the Detroit River and nearby Lake Erie harbors. It was designed for towing and assisting in local harbor operations.
History
Throughout its operational history, the Delia B. likely engaged in various harbor duties, including towing barges and assisting vessels in the busy waterways of Detroit. The tug was registered in Detroit, Michigan, and served the local maritime community.
Significant Incidents
- Event: Burned to a total loss by fire on August 10, 1919.
- Casualties: None documented—probably no fatalities; crew may have been ashore or evacuated.
- Details: No specific location or ignition cause noted in summary records.
Final Disposition
The Delia B. was destroyed by fire and subsequently removed from service. There is no documented wreckage from underwater surveys or salvage operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the vessel was completely destroyed by fire, there are no remains to be found in the Detroit River. No underwater surveys have reported any wreckage.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”delia-b-1910″ title=”References & Links”]
The Delia B., a steam tug built in Detroit, met its end in a catastrophic fire on August 10, 1919. Although it was not a major marine casualty, its loss is a part of the maritime history of the Detroit River. Further archival research may reveal more about its service life and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
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.
Wooden Steam Tug – Built 1910, Lost August 10, 1919
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Delia B.
- Built: 1910 (wooden steam tug)
- Lost: August 10, 1919
- Home Port: Detroit, Michigan
- Type: Steam-driven wooden tug used for harbor or river operations
Operational History
Likely operated within Detroit River and nearby Lake Erie harbors, assisting in towing barges and performing local harbor duties.
Final Incident & Casualties
- Event: Burned to a total loss by fire on August 10, 1919
- Casualties: None documented—probably no fatalities; crew may have been ashore or evacuated
- Details: No specific location or ignition cause noted in summary records
Disposition & Site Condition
- Vessel was destroyed by fire and removed from service
- No documented wreckage in underwater surveys or salvage operations
Notices & Warnings
- No official Notices to Mariners or insurance records currently accessible
Sources & References
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (“D” section): notes date, location out of Detroit, cause fire, total loss
Research Gaps & Recommended Actions
| Subject | Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Precise Location & Fire Cause | Review Detroit newspapers (Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Aug 11–15, 1919) for fire reports |
| Vessel Specs & Ownership | Access 1910–1919 U.S. Merchant Vessel Registry for construction details and owners |
| Crew & Casualty Confirmation | Investigate Coast Guard enrollment or casualties ledgers for confirmation |
| Insurance & Salvage Records | Seek marine insurance filings and tug logs potentially held at Michigan History Center |
Conclusion
The Delia B., a Detroit-built steam tug, met her end in a catastrophic fire on August 10, 1919—destroyed in total but with no available records of casualties. As a local harbor workboat, she was not a major marine casualty, but her loss remains a small part of Detroit River’s maritime history. Focused archival research—particularly local newspaper archives and registry data—could uncover more about her service life, ownership, and the circumstances of her fire
delia-b-1910 1919-08-10 21:45:00