Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George N. Brady
- Type: wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1865
- Builder: Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 102 ft (31.1 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 10.8 ft (3.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 165 tons
- Location: three miles above Grosse Pointe, Michigan
- Official Number: US 10244
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George N. Brady was a wooden propeller steam tug, designed primarily for towing operations and assistance in moving log rafts and vessels across the Great Lakes, specifically on Lake St. Clair.
Description
The George N. Brady was a dependable workhorse of its era, contributing to the vital logging and transportation industries. Propeller tugs such as this were critical for towing log rafts across inland waterways and assisting larger vessels in navigation. Its robust design and wooden hull made it a reliable tool for the towing trade during the mid-to-late 19th century.
History
On August 24, 1892, the George N. Brady departed on a routine operation, towing a log raft across Lake St. Clair. Accompanied by the tug Sumner, the voyage initially seemed uneventful. However, flames suddenly erupted around the smokestack, likely due to a fire in the boiler or exhaust system.
The crew sprang into action, but their efforts to contain the blaze were futile as the fire spread rapidly. Realizing the inevitability of their situation, the crew abandoned the vessel, safely transferring to the Sumner. The burning George N. Brady was set adrift, and the flames illuminated the evening sky, a stark and fiery spectacle visible for miles.
Eventually, the tug drifted towards the American shore, near Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Within a short time, the fire consumed the vessel, and it sank approximately three miles above Grosse Pointe.
Significant Incidents
- The George N. Brady caught fire on August 24, 1892, while towing a log raft.
- The crew abandoned the vessel and transferred to the tug Sumner.
- The burning tug drifted and sank after the fire consumed it.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the George N. Brady settled below the waters of Lake St. Clair, where it became a hazard to navigation. The submerged remains posed a significant risk, prompting warnings to vessels traversing the area.
No records indicate a specific rediscovery of the wreck site. However, its approximate location is documented as three miles above Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in Lake St. Clair.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was identified as a navigation hazard in Lake St. Clair following its loss. Mariners were warned to maintain vigilance when navigating in the area where the vessel sank.
Resources & Links
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As divers explore the waters of Lake St. Clair, it is essential to remember the legacy of the George N. Brady. By practicing responsible diving and adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories,’ we can honor the history of this vessel while ensuring the preservation of our underwater heritage.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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