Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Luckport (originally Magnolia)
- Type: Tug (Towboat)
- Year Built: 1898
- Builder: Unknown, built in Midland, Ontario
- Dimensions: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 21.4 ft (6.5 m); Depth of hold: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 367 tons
- Location: Off Kettle’s Beach, near Sawlog Point, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Original Owners: Midland Towing & Wrecking Co. (1898-1919), Canada Steamship Lines (1920-1930)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Tug (Towboat)
Description
Description
The Luckport, originally named Magnolia, was a wooden-hulled tugboat with two decks, designed for towing and salvage operations in the Great Lakes.
History
History
Magnolia (1898–1919): The Magnolia began its career as a robust tugboat servicing the Georgian Bay and surrounding Great Lakes. Operated by the Midland Towing & Wrecking Co., it played a critical role in towing and salvage operations in the region.
Luckport (1919–1930): The vessel underwent significant reconstruction and was renamed Luckport in 1919. It continued operation under Canada Steamship Lines starting in 1920.
Abandonment (1930): By 1930, the vessel was retired from active service, marking the beginning of its decline.
Final Fate (1934): In December 1934, the Luckport was dismantled and burned at Midland, Ontario. Although intentionally destroyed, remnants of the vessel were left to rest in the shallow waters off Kettle’s Beach, near Sawlog Point.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1919: Rebuilt and renamed Luckport.
- 1920: Acquired by Canada Steamship Lines.
- 1930: Abandoned.
- 1934: Dismantled and burned.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Luckport consists mainly of bottom timbers, visible in shallow water off Kettle’s Beach. Public access is available from the beach at Tomahawk Crescent, approximately a 10-minute swim due north from shore. Visibility is generally good, though wind and waves can impact conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is shallow, making it accessible for snorkelers and beginner divers. Remaining timbers of the vessel’s hull structure can be observed, offering a historical connection to Georgian Bay’s maritime legacy, despite limited physical remains. Safety tips include monitoring weather conditions and using a dive flag to alert boaters to your presence.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”luckport-magnolia” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Significance
The Magnolia/Luckport exemplifies the working vessels that played pivotal roles in the Great Lakes’ industrial and maritime history. Though its final years ended in abandonment and dismantling, its remnants serve as a lasting testament to the era of wooden-hulled tugs and their contributions to Great Lakes commerce and navigation.
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.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Type: Tug (Towboat)
- Lengths: 136 ft (41.5 m)
- Beam: 21.4 ft (6.5 m)
- Depth: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 367 tons
- Net Tonnage: 191 tons
- Location: Off Kettle’s Beach, near Sawlog Point, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Original Name: Magnolia
- Later Name: Luckport
- Construction:
- Builder: Unknown, built in Midland, Ontario
- Year Built: 1898
- Material: Wooden hull with two decks
- Propulsion:
- Steeple compound engine with two cylinders (20″ and 36″ diameter, 30″ stroke)
- Single propeller powered by a Scotch boiler (11′ x 10′) operating at 100 psi
- Engine manufactured by Beckwith Engine Co., Hamilton, Ontario
Ownership History:
- 1898–1919: Midland Towing & Wrecking Co., Midland, Ontario
- 1919: Rebuilt and renamed Luckport
- 1920: Acquired by Canada Steamship Lines
- 1930: Abandoned
HISTORY
Magnolia (1898–1919):
The Magnolia began its career as a robust tugboat servicing the Georgian Bay and surrounding Great Lakes. Operated by the Midland Towing & Wrecking Co., it played a critical role in towing and salvage operations in the region.
Luckport (1919–1930):
Rebuild and Renaming (1919):
- The vessel underwent significant reconstruction and was renamed Luckport.
- Continued operation under Canada Steamship Lines starting in 1920.
Abandonment (1930):
By 1930, the vessel was retired from active service, marking the beginning of its decline.
Final Fate (1934):
- In December 1934, the Luckport was dismantled and burned at Midland, Ontario.
- •Although intentionally destroyed, remnants of the vessel were left to rest in the shallow waters off Kettle’s Beach, near Sawlog Point.
FINAL DISPOSITION
- Condition: The wreck of the Magnolia consists mainly of bottom timbers, visible in shallow water off Kettle’s Beach.
- Accessibility:
- Public access from the beach at Tomahawk Crescent.
- • Approximately a 10-minute swim due north from shore.
- • Visibility: Generally good, though wind and waves can impact conditions.
DIVE NOTES
- Depth: Shallow, making the site accessible for snorkelers and beginner divers.
- Site Features:
- Remaining timbers of the vessel’s hull structure.
- The site offers a historical connection to Georgian Bay’s maritime legacy, despite limited physical remains.
- Safety Tips:
- Monitor weather conditions as the shallow location is exposed to wind and waves.
- Use a dive flag to alert boaters to your presence.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Magnolia/Luckport exemplifies the working vessels that played pivotal roles in the Great Lakes’ industrial and maritime history. Though its final years ended in abandonment and dismantling, its remnants serve as a lasting testament to the era of wooden-hulled tugs and their contributions to Great Lakes commerce and navigation.
REFERENCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Historical records from Canada Steamship Lines archives.