Katy Reid US 14255 (Kate Reid)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Katy Reid
• Type: Wooden side-wheel steam tug
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: DePere, Wisconsin
• Dimensions: 101 × 25 × 10 ft; 103 gross tons
• Registered Tonnage: 103 gross tons
• Location: Saginaw River at Salzburg, Michigan
• Official Number: 14255

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden side-wheel steam tug, a type of vessel commonly used in the 19th century for logging, freighting, and harbor operations.

Description

The Katy Reid, also recorded as Kate Reid, was built in 1867 at DePere, Wisconsin. This wooden side-wheel tug measured 101 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and had a depth of 10 feet. It was registered at 103 gross tons.

History

The Katy Reid served primarily in the logging and freighting industries, reflecting the essential role of wooden tugs during this era. However, her service was cut short when she caught fire while moored on the night of October 20, 1873.

Significant Incidents

• Date: October 20, 1873
• Location: Saginaw River at Salzburg, Michigan, Lake Huron
• The tug caught fire while moored for the night, resulting in a total loss. The crew managed to escape without casualties.

Final Disposition

After the fire, the Katy Reid was deemed a total loss. In the winter of 1873-74, her boiler and steam machinery were salvaged and later repurposed in the construction of the tug A. H. Hunter.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Katy Reid is not accessible for diving due to its total loss in the fire. The site may be of historical interest, but no physical remains are available for exploration.

Resources & Links

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The Katy Reid serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels in the era of steam propulsion, particularly the risks associated with fire. Her legacy continues through the reuse of her machinery in subsequent vessels.