Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Kate White
- Type: Propeller (converted tug)
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: William Loomis
- Dimensions: Length: 62 ft 2 in (18.9 m); Beam: 16 ft (4.9 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 28; Net Tonnage: 14
- Location: Fairport Harbor entrance, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 14439
- Original Owners: Thomas White, J.A. Dash, Richard P. Dailey, John Dailey
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Kate White was originally built as a wooden propeller steamer, later cut down and converted to tug service in 1897. Typical of smaller wooden screw-propelled vessels of the period, she was designed for versatility in harbor work, light towing, and nearshore cargo handling on Lake Erie.
Description
The Kate White was a wooden vessel with a screw propulsion system, featuring a high-pressure engine with two cylinders. After her conversion to a tug, her dimensions were altered, and she was utilized for various towing and cargo tasks in the Great Lakes region.
History
History
- 1885: Built by William Loomis, Erie, PA for Thomas White
- 1897, November 11: Converted to a tug at Erie, dimensions changed to 66 ft 1 in x 15 ft 8 in x 5 ft 2 in, 24 gross tons
- 1899: Owned by J.A. Dash
- 1904, November 2: Owned by Richard P. Dailey, Erie
- 1905, February 9: Owned by John Dailey, Cleveland, OH
- 1906, August 15: Returned to Richard P. Dailey, Erie
- 1907, August 18: Stranded during a storm at the Fairport harbor entrance when her wheel ropes failed, leading to loss of control
- 1907, December 5: Enrollment surrendered at Erie, noted as wrecked, abandoned, and a total loss
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Stranded during a storm on August 18, 1907, at Fairport Harbor due to mechanical failure.
- Noted as wrecked and abandoned by December 5, 1907.
Final Disposition
Total loss, abandoned after stranding in a storm at Fairport Harbor, Lake Erie.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No confirmed remains visible; the wreck is presumed to have disintegrated or been removed due to navigational hazard concerns at the harbor entrance.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”kate-white-us-14439″ title=”References & Links”]
The Kate White is a representative example of smaller Great Lakes steam propellers adapted for tug service, illustrating the versatility and working conditions of late 19th and early 20th century harbor vessels. Her loss during a storm underscores the vulnerability of even nearshore craft to mechanical failure and rough weather on Lake Erie.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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