Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Energy (Lorena)
- Type: Wooden screw tug/towboat
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: John Martel
- Dimensions: 62.3 ft (19 m); Beam 17.6 ft; Depth of hold 8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 37.71 GRT / 17.36 NRT
- Location: Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Official Number: US 140588
- Original Owners: J.J. Hickman, U.S. Corps of Engineers, Joseph Wolter, Lorena Tow Boat Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden screw tug/towboat, designed for towing and pushing vessels in rivers and harbors.
Description
Description
The Energy, originally named Lorena, was a wooden tugboat built in 1882. It featured a single high-pressure steam engine and was equipped with a firebox boiler. The vessel was known for its durability and long service life.
History
History
The Energy had a varied service history, including collisions in 1883 and a sale to the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1885. It underwent several modifications and rebuilds, reflecting advancements in steam propulsion technology. The vessel was ultimately scuttled in 1928 after a long career.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1883: Damaged in collision with steambarge Mary Groh and again in Chicago River.
- 1885: Sold to U.S. Corps of Engineers; worked in Chicago harbor.
- 1893: Rebuilt in Sheboygan, WI.
- 1917: Installed new firebox boiler in Manitowoc.
- 1920: Laid up under Lorena Tow Boat Co.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Energy was dismantled in 1928, with its hull scuttled in Lake Michigan. It was fully insured at the time, with an estimated value of $75,000–$80,000.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is likely resting in relatively shallow waters near Milwaukee. The wooden hull may still be partially intact, as scuttled tugs often remain structurally robust beneath sediment.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”energy-lorena-us-140588″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Lorena, later Energy, was a well-crafted, long-serving wooden tug built in 1882. After decades of commercial and government work, it was scuttled in 1928 for insurance and disposal reasons. Valued highly at the time, its hull could still offer valuable engineering insights if discovered and documented in Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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