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: FREDDIE ADAMS
• Vessel Type: Propeller Tug
• Build Information:
• Year Built: 1906
• Location: Parry Sound, Ontario
• Builder: G. Adams
• Material: Wood
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
  • Beam: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
  • Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
• Tonnage:
  • Gross: 16 tons
  • Net: 11 tons
• Final Location: Depot Harbour, Parry Sound, Lake Huron
• Date of Loss: 1909 (exact date unknown)
• Coordinates: Not available
• Depth at Wreck Site: Unknown

Vessel Type Description

The FREDDIE ADAMS was a small, wooden propeller tug built for light towing and harbour work. Designed for maneuverability and durability, its modest size made it ideal for supporting larger vessels and conducting operations in the bustling waters of Parry Sound and Lake Huron. Vessels like the FREDDIE ADAMS were integral to the efficient functioning of Great Lakes shipping and local commerce during the early 20th century.

History

Construction and Service

Built in 1906 by G. Adams in Parry Sound, Ontario, the FREDDIE ADAMS likely held a personal or familial connection to its builder, as reflected in its name. The tug was designed to assist in towing and general utility tasks in and around Parry Sound. Its small size and wooden construction were typical of working vessels of the era.

Destruction by Fire

In 1909, the FREDDIE ADAMS met its tragic end at Depot Harbour, a thriving port town on Parry Island. A fire completely destroyed the vessel, though the circumstances and exact date of the incident remain unclear.

• There is no available information regarding potential casualties or cargo at the time of the fire.
• The vessel’s registration was officially closed on September 13, 1920, signaling its definitive removal from service.

Final Disposition

The FREDDIE ADAMS was destroyed by fire in 1909 at Depot Harbour. The extent of the destruction suggests that no significant remains of the vessel exist, and its wreck site has not been documented. It is unlikely to attract interest for diving or exploration due to the total loss suffered.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The fire that consumed the FREDDIE ADAMS likely obliterated much of the vessel, leaving little to no physical remains. As a result:

• The wreck site is not documented or located.
• The site may hold historical interest but is not notable for underwater exploration.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or specific advisories related to the FREDDIE ADAMS wreck.

Legacy

The FREDDIE ADAMS exemplifies the small but critical working vessels that supported maritime operations on the Great Lakes. While its operational life was brief, its destruction highlights the hazards faced by even the most routine vessels in the early 20th century. Despite the lack of detailed records about its loss, the FREDDIE ADAMS remains part of the rich history of the Great Lakes maritime industry.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive documentation of Great Lakes wrecks.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical data and archival records.

Keywords

#FREDDIEADAMS #PropellerTug #LakeHuron #DepotHarbour #ParrySound #GreatLakes #MaritimeHistory #Shipwrecks #WoodenVessels

Conclusion

The story of the FREDDIE ADAMS underscores the importance of small workboats in the Great Lakes’ economic and logistical systems. Though its life was short and its loss tragic, the vessel represents the resilience and utility of early 20th-century maritime operations. Its incomplete records leave unanswered questions, but its memory contributes to the broader narrative of Great Lakes maritime history.

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