Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Luther Loomis
- Type: Wooden steam screw tug (~29 gross tons, 14 net)
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Chicago
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 29 gross tons, 14 net
- Location: Laid up in the Chicago River or near its mouth
- Official Number: 141018
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Luther Loomis is classified as a wooden steam screw tug, typical of late-19th-century harbor fleets. It was primarily used for towing operations in busy waterways.
Description
Built in 1889 in Chicago, the Luther Loomis was a small but hardworking vessel, likely facilitating various towing tasks in the bustling Chicago harbor. The tug was possibly rebuilt from an earlier vessel named Lizzie.
History
The Luther Loomis served in the Chicago area until its loss in 1913. It was laid up in the Chicago River when it caught fire, leading to its eventual scuttling in Lake Michigan.
Significant Incidents
- Date: May 14, 1913
- Location: Laid up in the Chicago River or near its mouth
- Cause: Destroyed by fire (exact ignition source unclear in records)
- Outcome: Burned to waterline and subsequently scuttled in Lake Michigan
- Crew: All 8 crew escaped before sinking
Final Disposition
After the fire, the Luther Loomis was scuttled in Lake Michigan. The wreck has become a site of interest for divers and is part of the local maritime heritage documentation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Luther Loomis remains a documented diving site, with surveys conducted to assess its condition and significance in Chicago’s maritime history.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”luther-loomis-us-141018″ title=”References & Links”]
The Luther Loomis serves as a reminder of the maritime history of Chicago and the practices of vessel disposal in the early 20th century. Its wreck is a significant site for divers exploring the region’s underwater heritage.
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 & Specifications
- Name: Luther Loomis (Official No. 141018)
- Type: Wooden steam screw tug (~29 gross tons, 14 net)
- Built: 1889, Chicago (possibly rebuilt from earlier tug Lizzie)
- Homeport: Chicago, Illinois
Final Incident & Loss
- Date: May 14, 1913
- Location: Laid up in the Chicago River or near its mouth
- Cause: Destroyed by fire (exact ignition source unclear in records)
- Outcome: Burned to waterline and subsequently scuttled in Lake Michigan
- Crew: All 8 crew escaped before sinking (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Double Action Dive Charters, ScubaBoard)
Archival Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (“L” list): Provides core incident data—incident date, vessel specs, loss nature, and crew survival (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Double Action Dive Charters blog: A dive-team summary confirms she “caught on fire in 1913 while it was in the Chicago River,” and was later scuttled in Lake Michigan (Double Action Dive Charters)
Historical Context & Wreck Legacy
- A small working tug typical of late-19th-century harbor fleets, Luther Loomis likely facilitated towing in Chicago’s busy waterways.
- Its destruction by fire while out of service and subsequent sinking reflects vessel disposal practices of the era.
- The wreck remains locally iconic—divers have surveyed it as part of Chicago maritime heritage documentation (ScubaBoard).
Research Gaps & Next Steps
| Research Topic | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|
| Exact fire origin | Investigate Chicago Tribune archives (May 1913) for cause, dock damage, or insurance details |
| Crew escape details | Search Coast Guard or local marine-incident logs for official evacuation records |
| Vessel build history | Check U.S. Merchant Vessel registry for prior tug Lizzie link and hull rebuild info |
| Underwater survey data | Contact UASC or Double Action Dive Charters for sonar images, precise depth, and coordinates |
Conclusion
Luther Loomis was a small but hard-working steam tug built in Chicago in 1889. On May 14, 1913, while laid up in the River, she caught fire and was burned to the waterline. The crew escaped unharmed, and the burned hulk was subsequently scuttled in nearby Lake Michigan. The wreck has since become a documented diving site in Chicago waters.
- Draft archive search requests targeting the Chicago Tribune or firefighting logs?
- Reach out to UASC or dive charters for wreck survey data and dive site specifics?
- Query vessel registry for connection to Lizzie and hull/engine details?