Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.D. McFadden
- Type: Wooden Screw Tug (Towboat)
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: Napoleon Grignon (built atop hull of earlier steamer Amethyst)
- Dimensions: Length 45 ft (13.72 m); Beam 11.6 ft (3.54 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 15.20 gross, 7.60 net tons
- Location: Basswood Lake, Hoist Bay, Ontario
- Official Number: 77041
- Original Owners: James McGee, Duluth, MN
- Number of Masts: One funnel, square bow/stern
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Screw Tug (Towboat)
Description
The J.D. McFadden was a single-deck wooden screw tug, characterized by its one funnel and square bow and stern. Built in 1892 in Duluth, Minnesota, it was constructed by Napoleon Grignon using the hull of the earlier steamer Amethyst.
History
The primary function of the J.D. McFadden was as a logging tug on Fall Lake, Minnesota, during the early 20th century. It remained in service until around 1920, after which it was abandoned, reportedly on Basswood Lake, Hoist Bay. There are no publicly accessible hull records or maritime registries from Duluth or Ontario that document the abandonment or subsequent fate of the vessel.
Significant Incidents
- Abandoned around 1920 at Basswood Lake, Ontario.
Final Disposition
The J.D. McFadden was abandoned around 1920 at Basswood Lake, Hoist Bay. It is likely that the vessel was grounded and left in situ as an abandoned hull, with no known salvage or scuttling documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the condition of the J.D. McFadden is uncertain, with no confirmed reports of its remains. It is suggested that a dive or sonar survey of Basswood Lake (Hoist Bay) could verify if wreck remains exist at shallow depths.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-d-mcfadden-us-77041″ title=”References & Links”]
The J.D. McFadden serves as a historical reminder of the logging industry in Minnesota and the informal practices surrounding vessel abandonment in remote inland waters. Its legacy highlights the importance of preserving maritime history, even when formal records are lacking.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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