Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Kate Moffat
- Type: Tug (Towboat)
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Alex Stewart
- Dimensions: 114 ft × 21 ft × 10.2 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 214.11 gross tons
- Location: 3 miles north of Presque Isle, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not precisely recorded
- Official Number: 14127
- Original Owners: Multiple; final known owner: Detroit Tug & Wrecking Co.
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Tugboat, specifically a wooden-hulled screw-propelled tugboat typical of mid-19th century design.
Description
Description
The Kate Moffat was constructed in Port Huron, Michigan by Alex Stewart in 1864. Originally measured at 106.5 ft, she was later lengthened and received a new boiler and second deck in 1874, reflecting her evolving role in towing and wrecking operations.
History
History
Enrolled in Detroit in June 1864, the tug changed hands frequently throughout the 1860s and 1870s, with her stern being rebuilt and dimensions revised. She was involved in several minor collisions during her service, including incidents with schooners Montcalm and Pulaski. In 1883 she was sold to the Detroit Tug & Wrecking Co., likely continuing wrecking and tow services across Lake Huron.
On 31 May 1885, while towing the schooners Metropolis and Havana, she ran aground in thick fog near Blue Point. The vessel subsequently caught fire and was declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Involved in several minor collisions during her service.
- Grounded in fog while towing schooners Metropolis and Havana on 31 May 1885.
- Declared a total loss following grounding and fire.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
Declared a constructive total loss following grounding and fire. Machinery was salvaged in 1886 by the tug Kate Williams and installed aboard the tug Gladiator in Detroit. Enrollment was officially surrendered later that year. In 1887, her remaining wreck structure was struck by the lighthouse tender Dahlia.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is not formally documented in sonar or diver survey records. The known loss site is 3 miles north of Presque Isle, MI (Blue Point), indicating shallow water nearshore remains may persist. The site is presumed scattered and deteriorated, with potential for partial burial or embedding.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”kate-moffat-us-14127″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Kate Moffat serves as a historical reminder of the maritime activities in the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While the wreck remains undocumented, it is an intriguing site for divers interested in the region’s shipwreck history.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The Kate Moffatt was a wooden-hulled screw-propelled tugboat constructed in Port Huron, Michigan by Alex Stewart in 1864. She was typical of mid-19th century towboats, fitted with machinery from Cuyahoga Works in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally measured at 106.5 ft, she was later lengthened and received a new boiler and second deck in 1874, reflecting her evolving role in towing and wrecking operations.History
Enrolled in Detroit in June 1864, the tug changed hands frequently throughout the 1860s and 1870s, with her stern being rebuilt and dimensions revised. She was involved in several minor collisions during her service, including incidents with schooners Montcalm and Pulaski. In 1883 she was sold to the Detroit Tug & Wrecking Co., likely continuing wrecking and tow services across Lake Huron. On 31 May 1885, while towing the schooners Metropolis and Havana, she ran aground in thick fog near Blue Point. The vessel subsequently caught fire and was declared a total loss.Final Dispositions
Declared a constructive total loss following grounding and fire. Machinery was salvaged in 1886 by the tug Kate Williams and installed aboard the tug Gladiator in Detroit. Enrollment was officially surrendered later that year. In 1887, her remaining wreck structure was struck by the lighthouse tender Dahlia.Located By & Date Found
Wreck site not formally documented in sonar or diver survey records. Known loss site is 3 miles north of Presque Isle, MI (Blue Point), indicating shallow water nearshore remains may persist.Notmars & Advisories
No official NOTMAR notices issued. Site presumed scattered and deteriorated. May be partially buried or embedded.Dive Information
Access: Boat Entry Point: Presque Isle Harbor, Michigan Conditions: Variable; fog and shoals common Depth Range: Unknown; estimated < 40 ft Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie; Presque Isle County SAR Permits: None required; no cultural designation found Dive Support: None specific; nearby recreational dive infrastructure existsCrew & Casualty Memorials
No known fatalities associated with loss. No memorials found.Documented Statements & Extracts
“While towing schooners Metropolis and Havana, the tug grounded in fog near Presque Isle and later caught fire. The loss was complete, but no lives were lost.”
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Enrolled at Detroit, MI, in 1864. Revised in 1874 post-rebuild. Official number 14127. Enrollment surrendered 30 November 1886.Site Documentation & Imaging
No known site photogrammetry, imaging, or sonar published. Presumed wreckage remains undocumented.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- Newspapers.com
References
- Enrollment Records, Port of Detroit, 1864–1886
- David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Kate Moffatt entry