Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mary Pringle
- Type: Wooden propeller passenger & package freight steamer
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Turner Shipyard, Trenton, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Canadian bank of the St. Clair River
- Official Number: 90136
- Original Owners: Captain Thomas Currie of Port Huron, Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steamer used for package freight and passenger service on the St. Clair River and adjacent Great Lakes.
Description
The Mary Pringle was a wooden propeller passenger and package freight steamer built in 1867. It was primarily used for transportation on the St. Clair River and the Great Lakes.
History
The vessel was constructed at Turner Shipyard in Trenton, Michigan. It had a long operational history, undergoing significant rebuilds in 1871 and 1883, which extended its service life.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: Caught fire while moored at the Sandborn Lumber Company dock in Port Huron, Michigan, on August 7, 1893. Both the captain and chief engineer were ashore, leaving the vessel unattended.
- The vessel was cut loose to prevent damage to the dock and nearby grain elevator, drifting downriver before burning to a total loss on the Canadian bank of the St. Clair River.
- Casualties: None; there were no individuals on board at the time of the fire.
Final Disposition
The Mary Pringle burned completely and was abandoned after the incident. The fire was a significant event in the local maritime history, illustrating the risks associated with dockside operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Mary Pringle is located on the Canadian bank of the St. Clair River. Current conditions of the wreck are not documented, and accessibility may vary.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mary-pringle-us-90136″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Mary Pringle on August 7, 1893, serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels during their service. The vessel’s history, including its rebuilds and eventual destruction, highlights the challenges of maritime operations in the Great Lakes region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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