Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John A. Miller
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam tug
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Detroit River
- Official Number: 47013
- Original Owners: E. B. Ward, Detroit
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden-hulled steam tug
Description
The John A. Miller was a wooden-hulled steam tug built in 1888. It was primarily used for tow and harbor assistance operations in Michigan waterways.
History
The tug was owned by E. B. Ward of Detroit and played a significant role in local maritime operations. Its service history reflects the operational demands of the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: On November 29, 1891, a fire ignited due to a bursting engine-room lantern.
- The fire began dockside, burned through her mooring lines, and caused the vessel to drift downstream.
- The John A. Miller ultimately sank a few miles downstream, likely still under fire.
- The crew was rescued by the tug John P. Levy, with no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The burned hull was raised and rebuilt as a barge in 1892. Despite the fire, the vessel’s core structure survived and was repurposed rather than scrapped.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but the historical significance of the vessel highlights the fire hazards of steam-powered tugs and the practice of adaptive reuse in maritime operations.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-a-miller-us-47013″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the John A. Miller serves as a reminder of the risks associated with steam vessels in the 19th century and the resilience of maritime practices in the face of disaster.
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.
HTug John A. Miller (1888–1891):
Vessel Overview & Build
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam tug
- Official No.: 47013
- Built: 1888
- Owner: E. B. Ward, Detroit
- Role: Tow and harbor assistance operations about Michigan waterways
Final Incident – November 29, 1891
- Cause: A bursting engine-room lantern ignited a fire aboard
- Sequence:
- Fire began dockside
- Burned through her mooring lines (“hawsers”)
- Drifted downstream, threatening docks and vessels
- Ultimately the John A. Miller sank a few miles downstream, likely still under fire (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Rescue: Crew saved by the tug John P. Levy (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Casualties: None reported
Aftermath & Disposition
- The burned hull was later raised and rebuilt as a barge in 1892 (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
- Despite the fire, the vessel’s core structure survived—being repurposed rather than scrapped.
Historical Significance
- Highlights the fire hazards inherent to steam-powered tugs of the late 19th century, especially from lanterns in engine rooms
- Reflects adaptive vessel reuse: hulls were often rebuilt following disasters, illustrating maritime resourcefulness
- The dramatic drift and downstream sinking created navigational risk—requiring rescue and cleanup operations beyond the immediate dock
Research & Investigation Opportunities
| Area of Interest | Suggested Steps |
|---|---|
| Tug Logs & Ownership Files | Search Detroit river pilot logs or company files for details on post-fire rebuilding and operation as a barge. |
| Newspaper Archives | Investigate Detroit and downstream port newspapers (Nov–Dec 1891) for fire and sinking reports. |
| Harbor & Salvage Records | Review Detroit harbor master logs for cleanup and salvage operations after her drifting sink incident. |
| Hull Remains Study | If her rebuilt barge remained in operation for some years, investigating its later history could offer insights into adaptive reuse. |
Summary Profile
- Name: John A. Miller
- Built: 1888, wooden steam tug (Official No. 47013)
- Destroyed: Nov 29, 1891 – engine-room lantern ignited fire; sank downstream
- Crew: Survived; rescued by John P. Levy
- Post-Incident: Hull raised and rebuilt as barge in 1892
- Significance: Tells of late–19th-century steam vessel fire risk and hull repurposing practices