Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Duncan City
- Type: Tug
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length 78 ft (23.77 m); Beam 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold 9 ft (2.74 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4.57 m / 15 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
- Coordinates: 45°24.787′ N, 83°45.733′ W
- Official Number: 157096
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Duncan City is classified as a tugboat, specifically designed for towing and related maritime tasks.
Description
The Duncan City, a wooden tugboat built in 1883, served as a workhorse on the Great Lakes for nearly four decades. Originally constructed to handle towing and related tasks, it played a significant role in maritime operations of the time. In 1920, the tug was deliberately scuttled after it was decommissioned, and limestone boulders were used to sink the vessel. Its remains now serve as a historical artifact, shedding light on early Great Lakes maritime industry and tug construction.
History
The Duncan City was operational for many years before its scuttling in 1920. The vessel’s construction and service history reflect the maritime practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Significant Incidents
- Deliberately scuttled in 1920 after decommissioning.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Duncan City lies in shallow water, making it an accessible site for snorkelers and beginner divers. Features of the wreck include a portion of the bottom hull and keelson remaining, the propeller and rudder still present, and numerous limestone boulders used to sink the tug scattered around the site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Due to the shallow depth, the site is ideal for snorkelers and divers of all levels. However, its location may be affected by waves or silt, potentially impacting visibility. Visitors are advised to take precautions to avoid disturbing the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”duncan-city-us-157096″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Duncan City offers a fascinating and accessible glimpse into the history of Great Lakes tugboats, making it a worthwhile visit for divers and snorkelers interested in maritime heritage.
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:
- Name(s): Duncan City
- Registry: US
- Official Number: 157096
- Vessel Type: Tug
- Year Built: 1883
- Year Sank: 1920
- Hull Material: Wood
- Engines: None
- Dimensions:
- Length: 78 ft (23.77 m)
- Width: 20 ft (6.1 m)
- Depth: 9 ft (2.74 m)
Vessel History:
The Duncan City, a wooden tugboat built in 1883, served as a workhorse on the Great Lakes for nearly four decades. Originally constructed to handle towing and related tasks, it played a significant role in maritime operations of the time. In 1920, the tug was deliberately scuttled after it was decommissioned, and limestone boulders were used to sink the vessel. Its remains now serve as a historical artifact, shedding light on early Great Lakes maritime industry and tug construction.
For more detailed information, visit:
• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary – Duncan City.
Wreck Site Information:
- Location: Lake Huron
- State/Province: Michigan
- Depth: 15 ft (4.57 m)
- GPS Coordinates: 45°24.787′ N, 83°45.733′ W
- Site Description:
The wreck of the Duncan City lies in shallow water, making it an accessible site for snorkelers and beginner divers. Features of the wreck include:
• A portion of the bottom hull and keelson remaining.
• The propeller and rudder are still present.
• Numerous limestone boulders, used to sink the tug, are scattered around the site.
Notmars & Advisories:
Due to the shallow depth, the site is ideal for snorkelers and divers of all levels. However, its location may be affected by waves or silt, potentially impacting visibility. Visitors are advised to take precautions to avoid disturbing the site.
Resources & Links:
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary – Duncan City.
- 3D Shipwrecks – Duncan City
3D Model – Duncan City
Keywords:
Duncan City, Tugboat, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Thunder Bay, Limestone Ballast, Historical Shipwreck, Michigan.
The wreck of the Duncan City offers a fascinating and accessible glimpse into the history of Great Lakes tugboats, making it a worthwhile visit for divers and snorkelers interested in maritime heritage.
duncan-city-us-157096 1920-03-14 07:54:00