Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Golden Fisher
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Gross Tonnage 39.36
- Registered Tonnage: 39.36
- Location: Approximately 2 miles off Cape Hurd
- Official Number: 154,623
- Original Owners: Geo. Hall & Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Golden Fisher was a tugboat, primarily utilized for towing operations on the Great Lakes.
Description
Specific construction details about the Golden Fisher, including her build date, builder, and dimensions, are limited. However, records indicate she had a gross tonnage of 39.36. Tugboats like the Golden Fisher were integral to maritime operations, assisting in maneuvering larger vessels and transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
History
On November 24, 1943, while engaged in her usual coal-barge towing duties approximately 2 miles off Cape Hurd in Lake Huron, the Golden Fisher caught fire. The blaze consumed the vessel, burning her to the waterline before she ultimately sank. Fortunately, all crew members escaped safely; some transferred to the towed barge, while others took to lifeboats. At the time of the incident, the tug was owned by Geo. Hall & Co., based in Ogdensburg, NY, and commanded by Captain William Leonard.
Significant Incidents
- November 24, 1943: The Golden Fisher caught fire while towing a coal barge, leading to her sinking.
Final Disposition
The Golden Fisher was destroyed by fire and sank on November 24, 1943, approximately 2 miles off Cape Hurd in Lake Huron. The wreck’s exact location and current condition are not well-documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no publicly available records indicating that the wreck of the Golden Fisher has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Golden Fisher highlights the inherent risks faced by maritime vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly those involved in towing operations. While the crew’s safe evacuation is a testament to their preparedness and training, the incident underscores the ever-present dangers of onboard fires and the challenges of firefighting at sea.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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