Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Langell Boys
- Type: Wooden screw-propelled steam barge
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Simon Langell & Sons, St. Clair, Michigan
- Dimensions: Original: Length 151 ft (46.0 m), Beam 30.3 ft (9.2 m), Depth 11.2 ft (3.4 m); Rebuilt 1921: Length 156.6 ft (47.7 m), Beam 33.8 ft (10.3 m), Depth 10.6 ft (3.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross 387.44 tons (original), 467.57 tons (after rebuild); Net 286.13 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 5.5 m / 18 ft
- Location: Approximately 6 miles south of AuSable, Michigan
- Coordinates: Approximate; two miles off the AuSable pierhead in 18 ft of water
- Official Number: 141067
- Original Owners: Simon Langell & Sons; later Mershon, Eddy & Parker Co.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden screw-propelled steam barge designed for bulk lumber transport across the Great Lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1890 by the shipyard of Simon Langell & Sons at St. Clair, Michigan, the Langell Boys was a wooden-hull steam barge purpose-built for bulk lumber transport across the Great Lakes region. She was screw-propelled and powered by a for-and-aft compound engine paired with a fire-box boiler. The single-deck configuration and minimal superstructure enabled her to carry large volumes of lumber. In 1921 she underwent a major rebuild that lengthened and widened her hull, increasing her gross tonnage and overall capacity.
History
After her launch and enrollment at Port Huron, the Langell Boys entered service hauling timber from Georgian Bay and other lumber-rich regions. She towed schooner-barges such as the J.W. Hanaford and J.B. Comstock. In 1898 she lost 100,000 board feet of deck cargo in a storm. In the 1920s she operated under Mershon, Eddy & Parker Co. and was known locally as the “Little Red Barn.” On her final voyage in June 1931, a fire broke out in her coal bunker while en route in ballast to load lumber. The blaze spread uncontrollably. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessel burned and sank south of AuSable, Michigan.
Significant Incidents
- 1898: Lost 100,000 board feet of deck cargo in a storm.
- 1931: Caught fire and sank while en route to load lumber; crew rescued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Final Disposition
The Langell Boys was destroyed by fire and sank in approximately 18 ft of water. The vessel was declared a total loss and was removed from the ship registry on 17 June 1931. Wreckage likely lies scattered in the shallows off AuSable, though remains may have deteriorated or become obscured.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No confirmed modern discovery or survey has documented the wreck site of the Langell Boys. Some artifact recovery occurred in the 1960s by diver Jim Dougherty, suggesting partial remains exist in the vicinity of the loss.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”langell-boys-us-141067″ title=”References & Links”]
The Langell Boys serves as a reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the hazards faced by wooden vessels. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and adhere to no-touch documentation methods.
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
Other Names: None documented
Official Number: 141067
Registry: United States (Port of enrolment: Port Huron, Michigan)
Vessel Type: Wooden screw‑propelled steam barge
Builder: Simon Langell & Sons, St. Clair, Michigan
Year Built: 1890
Dimensions: Original: Length 151 ft (46.0 m), Beam 30.3 ft (9.2 m), Depth 11.2 ft (3.4 m); Rebuilt 1921: Length 156.6 ft (47.7 m), Beam 33.8 ft (10.3 m), Depth 10.6 ft (3.2 m)
Tonnage: Gross 387.44 tons (original), 467.57 tons (after rebuild); Net 286.13 tons
Cargo on Final Voyage: In ballast
Date of Loss: 13 June 1931
Location: Approximately 6 miles south of AuSable, Michigan, Lake Huron
Coordinates: Approximate; two miles off the AuSable pierhead in 18 ft of water
Depth: ~18 ft (~5.5 m)
Home Port: Bay City, Michigan
Owners: Simon Langell & Sons; later Mershon, Eddy & Parker Co.
Crew: 12
Casualties: None
Description
Constructed in 1890 by the shipyard of Simon Langell & Sons at St. Clair, Michigan, the Langell Boys was a wooden‑hull steam barge purpose‑built for bulk lumber transport across the Great Lakes region. She was screw‑propelled and powered by a for‑and‑aft compound engine paired with a fire‑box boiler. The single‑deck configuration and minimal superstructure enabled her to carry large volumes of lumber. In 1921 she underwent a major rebuild that lengthened and widened her hull, increasing her gross tonnage and overall capacity.
History
After her launch and enrollment at Port Huron, the Langell Boys entered service hauling timber from Georgian Bay and other lumber‑rich regions. She towed schooner‑barges such as the J.W. Hanaford and J.B. Comstock. In 1898 she lost 100,000 board feet of deck cargo in a storm. In the 1920s she operated under Mershon, Eddy & Parker Co. and was known locally as the “Little Red Barn.” On her final voyage in June 1931, a fire broke out in her coal bunker while en route in ballast to load lumber. The blaze spread uncontrollably. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessel burned and sank south of AuSable, Michigan.
Final Dispositions
The Langell Boys was destroyed by fire and sank in approximately 18 ft of water. The vessel was declared a total loss and was removed from the ship registry on 17 June 1931. Wreckage likely lies scattered in the shallows off AuSable, though remains may have deteriorated or become obscured.
Located By & Date Found
No confirmed modern discovery or survey has documented the wreck site of the Langell Boys. Some artifact recovery occurred in the 1960s by diver Jim Dougherty, suggesting partial remains exist in the vicinity of the loss.
Notmars & Advisories
- Potential wreckage hazard south of AuSable, Michigan.
- Unconfirmed wreck location; further underwater survey recommended.
Dive Information
Access: Boat
Entry Point: AuSable harbor or Tawas Bay
Conditions: Variable visibility; thermocline possible; surge risk
Depth Range: ~18 ft (5.5 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie
Permits: Not specified; Michigan state heritage laws apply
Dive Support: Local dive charters in Tawas/AuSable area
Crew & Casualty Memorials
Crew: 12
Casualties: 0
Rescued by: U.S. Coast Guard
No individual names found in public memorials; further research recommended in local newspapers or CG logs.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“In the early hours of June 13, 1931 the Langell Boys caught fire six miles off AuSable, drifted and sank two miles off the AuSable pierhead in eighteen feet of water. Crew of twelve rescued by U.S.C.G.”
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Enrollment: Port Huron, 17 July 1890
Insurance: Valued at $46,000 by Inland Lloyds in 1893
Final Removal: 17 June 1931, Port Huron
Builder: Simon Langell & Sons, St. Clair
Site Documentation & Imaging
Some artifact recovery in 1963 by diver Jim Dougherty (deck fittings, whistle, compass). No full wreck photogrammetry or NOAA model found. Further site work needed.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- Newspapers.com
- Find A Grave
References
- Langell Boys Shipwreck Report, TheClio.com, Entry 144510
- Artifact Summary, LighthouseLens.com, Item 315
- Shipyard History, Shipbuildinghistory.com, Langell & Sons
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: 141067
Coordinates: Approx. 6 miles S of AuSable, MI
Depth: ~18 ft (~5.5 m)
Location Description: Two miles off AuSable pierhead, Lake Huron
Vessel Type: Steam barge
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 156.6 ft x 33.8 ft x 10.6 ft; 467.57 gross tons
Condition: Burned and sank, scattered shallow wreckage
Cause of Loss: Fire
Discovery Date: Unknown
Discovered By: Jim Dougherty (artifact recovery, ca. 1963)
Method: Diver salvage
Legal Notes: Registry struck June 1931, Michigan
Hazards: Uncharted debris in shallow water
Permits Required: Likely under Michigan heritage protections
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