Gary D – Lake Huron Tug Shipwreck (1958)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Gary D
• Type: Steel propeller tug
• Year Built: 1932
• Builder: Midland, Ontario
• Dimensions: 47 ft × 11 ft × 5 ft; 18 gross tons
• Registered Tonnage: 18 gross tons
• Location: Near Strawberry Island Light, North Channel, Lake Huron
• Official Number: C154870
• Original Owners: Ownership records remain to be further researched

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Steel propeller tug with a wooden deck and superstructure.

Description

The Gary D was originally named Col. E. A. Oliver and was constructed in 1932 in Midland, Ontario. It served primarily in harbor towing and short-distance support roles in the North Channel of Lake Huron.

History

Constructed in 1932, the Gary D was registered out of Midland, Ontario. Its operational history is not well-documented in standard Great Lakes registers, and further research is needed to uncover details about its ownership and service.

Significant Incidents

• Date of loss: 5 August 1958
• Location: Near Strawberry Island Light, North Channel, Lake Huron
• Cause of loss: Destroyed by an onboard explosion and subsequent fire; declared a total loss.

Final Disposition

The vessel was effectively lost at sea, with no records of hull removal or salvage documented. It is believed that the wreck lies near the shoreline adjacent to Strawberry Island, but no modern surveys or diver reports have been located.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck status is unexamined, and there may be potentially hazardous debris near navigation routes.

Resources & Links

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The Gary D was a small, steel-hulled tug that faced a tragic end due to an explosion and fire in 1958. Its loss highlights the dangers encountered by working vessels in the mid-20th century. The wreck remains undocumented, presenting opportunities for archival research and potential field surveys.