Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John Evenson
- Type: Steam-powered tug (wooden hull)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 54 ft (16.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Off the Sturgeon Bay Canal, Door County, Wisconsin
- Official Number: US 76523
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John Evenson was a wooden steam tug, designed to assist larger vessels in navigating challenging waterways.
Description
The John Evenson met its tragic end while returning to Sturgeon Bay from Manitowoc after having its firebox repaired. Captain John M. Laurie chose to anchor near the canal, hoping to assist any passing vessels in need of a tow.
History
The John Evenson was involved in a significant incident on June 5, 1895, when it was struck by the steambarge I.W. Stephenson while attempting to assist it in navigating the Sturgeon Bay canal. The collision resulted in the tug rolling over and sinking immediately.
Significant Incidents
- June 5, 1895: The John Evenson was struck by the I.W. Stephenson, leading to its sinking.
- Four of the five crew members escaped, but one, Martin Boswell, tragically perished.
Final Disposition
The John Evenson was lost in Lake Michigan, near the Sturgeon Bay Canal. It was a total loss, and no information indicates it was salvaged or recovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John Evenson remains submerged in Lake Michigan, serving as a historical site that reflects the maritime heritage of the region.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-evenson-us-76523″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The sinking of the John Evenson on June 5, 1895, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by tug crews in the late 19th century. The incident highlights the importance of safety and caution in maritime operations.
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.
Shipwreck Report: John Evenson (1895, Tug)
Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: John Evenson
- Type of Ship: Steam-powered tug (wooden hull)
- Year Built: Unknown
- Location of Sinking: Off the Sturgeon Bay Canal, Door County, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Date of Incident: June 5, 1895
Incident Description
The John Evenson, a wooden tug, met its tragic end while returning to Sturgeon Bay from Manitowoc after having its firebox repaired. Captain John M. Laurie chose to anchor near the canal, hoping to assist any passing vessels in need of a tow.
Late in the afternoon, the steambarge I.W. Stephenson, towing two barges (Peshtigo and Alert), signaled for assistance navigating the Sturgeon Bay canal. In response, the John Evenson moved into position to attach a line.
Collision and Sinking:
The I.W. Stephenson, traveling at approximately 10 mph, inadvertently struck the stern of the John Evenson during the maneuver. The force of the impact caused the John Evenson to turn sideways, placing it in an even more vulnerable position. A second collision occurred as the Stephenson’s bow struck the tug again, rolling it over. The John Evenson filled with water and sank immediately.
Casualties:
Four of the five crew members managed to escape the sinking tug and were rescued by boats lowered from the Peshtigoand Alert. One crew member, Martin Boswell, who was asleep during the incident, tragically perished as the tug went down.
Final Disposition
The John Evenson was lost in Lake Michigan, near the Sturgeon Bay Canal. It was a total loss, and no information indicates it was salvaged or recovered.
Historical Context
The Sturgeon Bay canal was a critical navigation route in the late 19th century, heavily trafficked by freighters, barges, and tugs. Vessels like the John Evenson were vital for towing larger ships and barges through tight or challenging waterways The collision highlights the inherent dangers of maritime operations in confined spaces like the canal, where vessels often worked in close proximity. The I.W. Stephenson was a typical Great Lakes steambarge of its era, heavily loaded and difficult to maneuver, which likely contributed to the collision.
Legacy and Significance
The loss of the John Evenson serves as a reminder of the bravery and risks faced by tug crews in the late 19th century. Tugboats were indispensable to Great Lakes shipping, and their crews often operated under challenging conditions to ensure the smooth transit of larger vessels.
The incident is a documented part of Door County’s shipwreck history, emphasizing the region’s rich and sometimes tragic maritime heritage.
Resources & Links
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Smithsonian Newsletter
- Door County Maritime Museum
- Fox News
- Great Lakes Ships
Conclusion
The John Evenson’s sinking on June 5, 1895, marked a tragic day in the history of Great Lakes towing. Though the crew acted quickly to assist a passing vessel, a miscalculation led to disaster. The story of the John Evenson is a testament to the courage of Great Lakes mariners and a poignant reminder of the perils they faced.