Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Laura Grace
- Type: Wooden steam tugboat
- Year Built: 1901
- Builder: Robert J. Morrill Shipyard, Collingwood, Ontario
- Dimensions: 76 ft (approx. 23 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3.4 m / 11 ft
- Location: Lake Ontario, near Greece, NY
- Coordinates: 43° 17′ 36.5388″ N, 77° 40′ 11.28″ W
- Official Number: 107171
- Original Owners: Lake Superior Tug Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Laura Grace was a wooden steam-powered tugboat, typical of early Great Lakes steam tugs.
Description
The Laura Grace was a 76-foot wooden steam-powered tug built at the Collingwood shipyard by Robert J. Morrill in 1901, typical of early Great Lakes steam tugs.
History
Registered in Port Arthur (registry No. 107171), the tug, under Lake Superior Tug Co., departed Kingston bound for Port Dalhousie when it was lost in a winter storm off Greece, NY on December 6, 1918.
Contemporary reports note Captain William Murphy was lost, while nine crew members escaped via lifeboat, assisted by cook Margaret Switzer.
Significant Incidents
- Captain William Murphy was presumed lost during the sinking.
- Nine crew members survived with the assistance of Margaret Switzer, the cook.
Final Disposition
The tug rests in shallow water near Long Pond Road in Greece, NY. Portions of the hull remain accessible to divers thanks to its proximity to shore.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access is available from the shore at Long Pond Road, Greece, NY. The wreck lies approximately 11 ft (3.4 m) deep, with visibility varying. Caution is advised due to overhead hazards.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”laura-grace-c-107171″ title=”References & Links”]
The Laura Grace serves as a reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and offers divers a glimpse into the past.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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