Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ED. L. ANTHONY
- Type: Tug, wood-hulled
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: G. Notter, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 41 ft (12.5 m); Beam: 11 ft (3.4 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 14 gross tons
- Location: Chicago Harbor, off the foot of 59th Street
- Official Number: 8880
- Original Owners: Captain Reed, Chicago
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Tugboat
Description
The ED. L. ANTHONY was a small, wooden-hulled tugboat constructed in 1869 by G. Notter in Buffalo, New York. Tugs of this size were commonly used for towing operations, assisting larger ships in harbors, and performing general utility work along the Great Lakes. Owned by Captain Reed of Chicago, the tug was a familiar sight in the bustling waters around Chicago Harbor and South Chicago.
History
The ED. L. ANTHONY served in various towing and harbor operations on Lake Michigan for over 15 years. However, her service history was marred by several serious incidents, reflecting both the inherent dangers of steam-powered vessels and the harsh conditions of Great Lakes navigation.
One of the tug’s most notable accidents occurred on November 22, 1873, in Milwaukee, when the boiler exploded, resulting in the loss of one life. Despite this catastrophic event, the vessel was repaired and returned to service, continuing to operate in the Chicago area.
The tug’s final voyage occurred on July 8, 1885, while en route from Chicago to South Chicago. Approximately two miles offshore, the fire grate in the tug’s engine room came loose, causing red-hot coals to spill into the confined space. The coals ignited a fire, which quickly spread throughout the vessel. Recognizing the imminent danger, Captain Reed attempted to run the tug toward shore, steering into the teeth of a gale in a desperate bid to beach the vessel.
Despite these efforts, the ED. L. ANTHONY sank just short of the shoreline near 59th Street in Chicago Harbor. Fortunately, both crew members aboard the tug managed to escape, and no lives were lost in this incident.
Significant Incidents
- November 22, 1873: Boiler explosion in Milwaukee resulted in one fatality.
- July 8, 1885: Caught fire and sank near 59th Street, Chicago Harbor.
Final Disposition
Caught fire and sank near 59th Street, Chicago Harbor, on July 8, 1885. The vessel was a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil—no confirmed reports of the wreck’s recovery or current location.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ed-l-anthony-us-8880″ title=”References & Links”]
The ED. L. ANTHONY serves as a poignant example of the dangers faced by small steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. From the boiler explosion in Milwaukee in 1873 to the fatal fire in Chicago in 1885, the tug’s history reflects both the technological risks of the steam era and the challenges of operating in the often unpredictable conditions of Lake Michigan. Despite these dangers, vessels like the ED. L. ANTHONY were vital to the commerce and industry of the region, playing essential roles in harbor operations and ship assistance. The tug’s final loss underscores the perils faced by mariners navigating the waters of Chicago Harbor and the broader Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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