Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John B. Breymann
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: Rand & Burger
- Dimensions: 71 ft × 18 ft × 10 ft; ~59 gross / 40 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 59 gross / 40 net tons
- Location: Maumee River boneyard, Toledo, Ohio
- Official Number: 91857
- Original Owners: G.H. Breymann & Bros. (dredging contractors)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steam tug operating on Lake Erie.
Description
The John B. Breymann was a wooden steam tug built in 1885 by Rand & Burger in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It measured approximately 71 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and 10 feet in depth, with a registered tonnage of about 59 gross tons and 40 net tons.
History
The tug was owned by G.H. Breymann & Bros., a company involved in dredging operations. Throughout its service, it played a role in various maritime activities on Lake Erie.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: June 8, 1926
- Location: Moored at the Maumee River boneyard, Toledo, Ohio
- Incident: A fire, likely started by an ember from a passing locomotive, ignited a fleet of moored vessels including the John B. Breymann. The tug was tied up in a riveryard of idle or decommissioned vessels when the blaze began. It was completely consumed, burned to the waterline, and sank. The waterfront fire destroyed a group of seven vessels.
- Casualties: None reported; crew and dock personnel evacuated safely.
Final Disposition
The John B. Breymann was burned to the waterline and sank, resulting in a total loss with no salvage attempts made. The vessel’s documents and hull were never recovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John B. Breymann is not accessible for diving due to its location and the nature of its loss. The site remains a historical point of interest related to maritime incidents in the Toledo area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-b-breymann-us-91857-2″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the John B. Breymann on June 8, 1926, marked the end of a significant vessel in the Breymann dredging fleet. The tug’s destruction by fire highlights the risks faced by vessels moored in busy waterways. For further research, local fire reports, maritime records, and company archives may provide additional insights into this incident.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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