Shotline Diving

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Julian V. O’Brien US 76755/C 76755

Explore the wreck of the Julian V. O’Brien, a historic steam tug scuttled in Lake Superior, offering insights into maritime practices and wooden vessel construction.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Julian V. O’Brien
  • Type: Wood Screw Tug
  • Year Built: 1888
  • Builder: Union Dry Dock Co.
  • Dimensions: 70 × 16.5 × 8.2 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 59 GT / 31 RT
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 91.44 m / 300 ft
  • Location: Deep water off Thunder Bay, Lake Superior
  • Official Number: 76755
  • Original Owners: 1888: O. & A. T. Co. (Oscoda, MI); 1902: William E. Bigwood (Byng Inlet, ON); 1921: Port Arthur Construction Co. (Port Arthur, ON); 1935: John N. McLeod (Powell River, BC)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wood Screw Tug, Built 1888

Description

The Julian V. O’Brien was a steam-driven tugboat constructed in 1888. Originally built in Buffalo, NY, it underwent several modifications and ownership changes throughout its operational life.

History

The tug was initially registered in the United States and later transferred to Canadian registration. It was rebuilt in 1892 and again in 1907, reflecting its adaptability and longevity in service.

Significant Incidents

  • In September 1936, after the removal of its machinery, the tug was towed approximately 12-15 miles off Port Arthur and intentionally set afire before being scuttled in deep water.

Final Disposition

The Julian V. O’Brien was abandoned and sunk as a derelict in Sawyers Deep, Lake Superior, where it remains today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is likely an intact hull structure resting in over 300 feet of water. However, it was scuttled by fire to reduce drifting hazards, and no modern underwater surveys have been conducted to confirm its current state.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”julian-v-obrien-us-76755-c-76755″ title=”References & Links”]

The wreck of the Julian V. O’Brien represents a significant piece of maritime history, illustrating the evolution of wooden steam tugs and their role in regional industrial mobility.

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.

Wood Screw Tug, Built 1888

Identification & Specifications

  • Name: Julian V. O’Brien
  • U.S. Official No.: 76755
  • Canadian Official No. (after transfer): 103580
  • Build: 1888, Buffalo, NY by Union Dry Dock Co.
  • Original U.S. Specs (1892): 68.4 × 17.4 × 8.3 ft; 57.7 GT / 28.8 NT; steam screw tug; 5‑man crew
  • Canadian Specs (1902 & 1921): ~70 × 16.5 × 8.2 ft; 59 GT / 31 RT; rebuilt 1892 Buffalo and again 1907 Collingwood
  • Power: ~29–31 HP (steam-driven); Class A1 per Lloyd’s in 1890
  • Owners:
    • 1888: O. & A. T. Co. (Oscoda, MI)
    • 1902: William E. Bigwood (Byng Inlet, ON)
    • 1921: Port Arthur Construction Co. (Port Arthur, ON)
    • 1935: John N. McLeod (Powell River, BC)
      (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Final Disposition

  • Fate: In September 1936, Julian V. O’Brien—after removal of machinery—was towed ~12–15 miles off Port Arthur (Thunder Bay, Lake Superior), intentionally set afire, and scuttled in the deepest basin (“Sawyers Deep”).
    (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
  • Final State: Hull was abandoned and deliberately sunk in deep water as a derelict.

Wreck Site & Research Potential

  • Location: Deep water off Thunder Bay, Lake Superior (Sawyers Deep, ~12–15 miles offshore)
  • Condition: Likely an intact hull structure resting in deep (~300+ ft) water, though scuttled by fire prior—to reduce drifting hazard
  • Documentation: No modern underwater surveys (sonar, ROV, dives) cited; wreck identity based solely on historical report

Recommended Investigations

  • Historical Sources:
    • Original 1936 newspaper notes and Port Arthur harbour logs
    • Canadian Marine Safety reports or disposals records
    • Steamboat inspection reports (1921), registration transfers (1902, 1935)
  • Field Survey:
    • Use side-scan sonar to locate hull features in Sawyers Deep
    • Follow-up with ROV footage to confirm identity and record structural condition
  • Contextual Research:
    • Examine Union Dry Dock Co. shipyard plans for original hull design
    • Review Port Arthur Construction Co. scrap/training vessel records for scuttling purpose

Significance

The Julian V. O’Brien stands out as a long-serving, cross-border steam tug—demonstrating regional industrial mobility and adaptive re-use over nearly 50 years. Its final disposition sheds light on mid-20th-century bar disposal practices. Locating and documenting its wreck would contribute to the understanding of wooden steam tug construction, their lifecycle, and scuttling as maritime management.

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