Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Harvey Neelon
- Type: Propeller steam tug (wood-hulled, partially iron-framed)
- Year Built: 1876
- Builder: S. Andrews at Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Dimensions: 74 ft (22.56 m) length × 17 ft (5.18 m) beam × 8 ft (2.44 m) depth; about 65 GRT / 47 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 65 GRT / 47 NRT
- Location: Upper harbor, Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Official Number: C73953
- Original Owners: Michael LeMieux, Midland, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Propeller steam tug (wood-hulled, partially iron-framed)
Description
The Harvey Neelon was a steam tug built in 1876, measuring 74 feet in length, 17 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth. It had a registered tonnage of approximately 65 gross registered tons (GRT) and 47 net registered tons (NRT).
History
Constructed by S. Andrews at Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the Harvey Neelon was initially built for the Lake Superior Line. Over time, it changed ownership, eventually being owned by Cliff & National Mines before being transferred to Michael LeMieux of Midland, Ontario.
Significant Incidents
- The Harvey Neelon caught fire while in port at Thunder Bay Harbour on August 23, 1906.
- The blaze was severe, resulting in a total loss; however, no casualties occurred as the crew escaped in the yawl.
- The cause of the fire remains undetermined, as vessel records do not specify the ignition source.
- Registry sources confirm the vessel was “burned to a total loss” with no fatalities.
Final Disposition
The vessel was destroyed on-site, likely scrapped or the wreckage removed shortly thereafter, as no archaeological remains exist today. The incident appears to have been absorbed into broader harbor cleanup efforts of the era.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no remaining archaeological remains of the Harvey Neelon at the wreck site, as it was destroyed and likely scrapped shortly after the fire.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”harvey-neelon-c-73953″ title=”References & Links”]
The Harvey Neelon exemplifies the era of small steam-powered harbor tugs integral to Great Lakes industrial logistics. Her loss by fire in 1906 highlights the ever-present hazard of steam-era boiler and machinery fires, even at port. While no wreck survives, her story enriches our understanding of vessel safety, port operations, and historical marine infrastructure in early 20th-century Thunder Bay.
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: Harvey Neelon
- Official Number: C73953
- Type: Propeller steam tug (wood-hulled, partially iron-framed)
- Built: 1876, by S. Andrews at Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Dimensions: 74 ft length × 17 ft beam × 8 ft depth; about 65 GRT / 47 NRT
- Owner: Michael LeMieux, Midland, Ontario
- Built for Lake Superior Line; later owned by Cliff & National Mines before transfer to LeMieux
Final Voyage & Fire Incident – August 23, 1906, Thunder Bay
- The Harvey Neelon caught fire while in port at Thunder Bay Harbour on Lake Superior
- The blaze was severe, resulting in a total loss; however, no casualties—her crew escaped in the yawl
- The cause of the fire remains undetermined, as vessel records do not specify ignition source
- Registry sources confirm the vessel was “burned to a total loss” with no fatalities
Wreck Site & Aftermath
- Location: Upper harbor, Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Disposition: Destroyed on-site; likely scrapped or wreckage removed shortly thereafter—no archaeological remains today
- The incident appears to have been absorbed into broader harbor cleanup efforts of the era
Sources & Verification
- Shipwreck File “N” entry for Harvey Neelon: confirms build date, dimensions, owner, fire loss, and crew escape
Significance & Next Steps
| Research Aspect | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|
| Origin Investigation | Examine Lake Superior Line and Cliff & National Mines records for operational context and vessel role |
| Fire Cause Analysis | Review Thunder Bay Fire Department logs or harbour master reports from August 1906 |
| Archival Imagery | Search city archives or newspapers for photos or coverage of the burned tug |
| Salvage & Recovery | Investigate dockyard or insurance documentation on debris removal or salvage post-fire |
Historical Overview
The Harvey Neelon exemplifies the era of small steam-powered harbor tugs integral to Great Lakes industrial logistics. Her loss by fire in 1906 highlights the ever-present hazard of steam-era boiler and machinery fires, even at port. While no wreck survives, her story enriches our understanding of vessel safety, port operations, and historical marine infrastructure in early 20th‑century Thunder Bay.
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