Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: G. J. Dorr
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven steam tug
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 57 ft × Beam 14 ft × Depth 7 ft; approx. 26 GRT / 13 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 26 GRT / 13 NRT
- Location: Approximately 8 miles south of the Chicago shoreline
- Official Number: 85890
- Original Owners: Green Dredging Co., Chicago
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven steam tug.
Description
Description
The G. J. Dorr, originally launched as Gertrude, was a wooden tug built in 1885. It was primarily used for towing barges across Lake Michigan.
History
History
The G. J. Dorr typifies late 19th-century service tugs tasked with moving barges. Its loss under tow during storm conditions underscores the operational risks of that era.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On September 24, 1899, while towing two dump scows from Michigan City to Chicago, the G. J. Dorr was caught in a sudden storm about 8 miles off South Chicago.
- The tug began filling with water, was quickly abandoned by her crew (who transferred onto one of the scows), and sank—no casualties.
- The disaster illustrates the vulnerability of small tugs under heavy tow in rough Lake Michigan conditions.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The G. J. Dorr sank at an unidentified point in Lake Michigan, approximately 8 miles south of the Chicago shoreline. Recovery efforts have not been recorded, and the wreck likely rests undisturbed in deep water. It is considered a total loss, with no subsequent salvage operations detailed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the G. J. Dorr is presumed to be undisturbed in deep water, with no recovery efforts documented. Accessibility for divers may be limited due to the depth and location.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”g-j-dorr-us-85890″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The sinking of the G. J. Dorr without loss of life offers a case study in emergency abandonment procedures and crew resourcefulness during the operational challenges faced by tugs in the late 19th century.
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 & Vessel Details
- Name: G. J. Dorr (often shown in press as “J. G. Door”; originally launched as Gertrude)
- Official Number: 85890
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven steam tug
- Built: 1885, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 57 ft × Beam 14 ft × Depth 7 ft; approx. 26 GRT / 13 NRT
- Owned By: Green Dredging Co., Chicago
- Master: Capt. John Peterson
Final Voyage & Loss – September 24, 1899, Lake Michigan
- While towing two dump scows from Michigan City to Chicago, G. J. Dorr was caught in a sudden storm about 8 miles off South Chicago.
- The tug began filling with water, was quickly abandoned by her crew (who transferred onto one of the scows), and sank—no casualties.
- The disaster illustrates the vulnerability of small tugs under heavy tow in rough Lake Michigan conditions.
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Wreck & Salvage
- Final resting place: Unidentified point in Lake Michigan, approximately 8 miles south of the Chicago shoreline
- Recovery efforts: None recorded; wreck likely rests undisturbed in deep water
- Wreck status: Considered a total loss; no subsequent salvage operations detailed
Sources & Verification
- Detailed account from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – “D” section, which records build information, tug specifications, ownership, tow details, incident summary, and crew survival
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Historical & Archaeological Context
The G. J. Dorr typifies late 19th-century service tugs tasked with moving barges—its loss under tow during storm conditions underscores the operational risks of that era. As a relatively small, wooden tug, her sinking without loss of life offers a case study in emergency abandonment procedures and crew resourcefulness.
Suggested Research & Next Steps
| Focus Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Tow Route Analysis | Map likely voyage path and sinking location using meteorological data from September 1899 |
| Contemporary News | Examine Chicago Tribune and Michigan City News-Dispatch for coverage of the incident and scow survivors |
| Tow Vessel Logs | Retrieve records from Green Dredging Co. (if archived) for scow destination details and procedural logs |
| Wreck Survey Planning | Consider side-scan sonar reconnaissance 8 miles off Chicago to locate the wreck for heritage documentation |