Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lyric
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller tug
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: 34 × 7 × 4 ft; 12 GRT / 10 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 12 GRT / 10 NRT
- Location: Duluth Harbor, Minnesota
- Official Number: 140903
- Original Owners: Witt Towing Company, Duluth MN
- Number of Masts: Small, exact number unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden-hulled propeller tug
Description
The Lyric was a wooden-hulled propeller tug built in 1887 in Buffalo, NY. It was owned by the Witt Towing Company based in Duluth, Minnesota. The tug measured 34 feet in length, 7 feet in beam, and had a depth of 4 feet, with a registered tonnage of 12 gross registered tons (GRT) and 10 net registered tons (NRT).
History
The Lyric served in Duluth Harbor, engaging in towing operations typical for tugboats of its size and type. Its operational history reflects the challenges faced by tugboats in busy harbor environments, particularly concerning navigational hazards and the risks associated with collisions.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: On August 25, 1898, while operating in Duluth Harbor, the Lyric was rammed amidships by the much larger tug Geo. Emerson.
- Outcome: The Lyric sustained critical damage and quickly sank to the bottom of the harbor.
- Casualties: One crew member was lost, while others were presumably rescued.
Final Disposition
The Lyric sank following the collision, and its wreck is believed to be located in Duluth Harbor. The incident serves as a significant case study in tugboat operations and safety protocols.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Lyric is likely sitting upright in shallow harbor waters, making it accessible for shallow dive documentation. Side-scan sonar surveys may be employed to locate the hull.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lyric-us-140903″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Lyric underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden-hulled tugs and has likely influenced harbor safety practices in Duluth, serving as a cautionary tale for future maritime operations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →