Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lauren Castle
- Type: Steel propeller tug
- Year Built: 1906
- Builder: Delaware River Iron Shipbuilding & Engine Works, Chester, PA
- Dimensions: 98 ft (29.9 m) X 21 ft; Depth of hold 11-12 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 180 gt / 122 nt
- Depth at Wreck Site: 120 m / 400 ft
- Location: 7 miles north of Traverse City, MI
- Official Number: 203337
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Lauren Castle was a steel propeller tug, designed for towing operations. It was a single-screw vessel with a length of approximately 98 feet and a beam of 21 feet.
Description
The Lauren Castle was built in 1906 and had a registered tonnage of 180 gross tons and 122 net tons. The vessel was powered by an 800 horsepower engine.
History
Throughout its service, the Lauren Castle was involved in various towing operations. It was known for its reliability in the Great Lakes region.
Significant Incidents
- On November 5, 1980, while towing the disabled tanker Amoco Wisconsin from Omena Bay toward Traverse City, MI, the tanker tripped, causing it to overtake the tug. This led to a collision from astern, resulting in the rapid sinking of the Lauren Castle.
- Of the four crew members aboard, only one survived, while Engineer William Stephan was lost.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Lauren Castle lies upright at a depth of approximately 392-400 feet, about 7 miles north of Traverse City, near Cat Head Point. It remained undisturbed until 1999 when it was surveyed using ROV and diving efforts. The vessel is described as mostly intact, with visible pilothouse windowpanes and zebra mussel overgrowth.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is generally intact and has been documented through various surveys. It is covered with zebra mussels, which are common in the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lauren-castle-us-203337-general-g-m-sorrel-mcallister-brothers-north-american” title=”References & Links”]
The Lauren Castle serves as a significant reminder of the dangers of towing operations in the Great Lakes. Its wreck is a site of interest for divers and historians alike, illustrating the maritime history of the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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