N.P. Sprague

Explore the wreck of the N.P. Sprague, a 19th-century steam tug that sank in Lake Erie after developing a leak.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: N.P. Sprague
  • Type: steam tug
  • Year Built: circa 1857
  • Builder: Not documented
  • Dimensions: Not documented
  • Registered Tonnage: Not available
  • Location: Pelee Passage, Lake Erie, near Point au Pelee, Ontario
  • Official Number: Not available
  • Original Owners: Not documented
  • Number of Masts: Not documented

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled steam tug (Model Ship World™)

Description

The N.P. Sprague was a wooden-hulled steam tug constructed around 1857. Specific details regarding her dimensions, tonnage, and propulsion system are not documented.

History

The N.P. Sprague served as a steam tug on the Great Lakes, primarily engaged in towing operations. In July 1884, while in Pelee Passage near Point au Pelee, Ontario, the vessel developed a leak and sank within 15 minutes. The crew was rescued by the tug Wilcox.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Significant Incidents

  • Developed a leak and sank within 15 minutes in July 1884.
  • Crew was rescued by the tug Wilcox.

Final Disposition

Following the sinking in July 1884, the N.P. Sprague was declared a total loss. There is no available information on salvage operations or the current condition of the wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There is no specific information available regarding the rediscovery or current location of the N.P. Sprague‘s wreck.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”n-p-sprague” title=”References & Links”]

The N.P. Sprague serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by steam tugs on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in Pelee Passage highlights the perils of maritime navigation in that era.

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.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled steam tug(Model Ship World™)

Description

The N.P. Sprague was a wooden-hulled steam tug constructed around 1857. Specific details regarding her dimensions, tonnage, and propulsion system are not documented.

History

The N.P. Sprague served as a steam tug on the Great Lakes, primarily engaged in towing operations. In July 1884, while in Pelee Passage near Point au Pelee, Ontario, the vessel developed a leak and sank within 15 minutes. The crew was rescued by the tug Wilcox.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Final Disposition

Following the sinking in July 1884, the N.P. Sprague was declared a total loss. There is no available information on salvage operations or the current condition of the wreck.

Located By & Date Found

There is no specific information available regarding the rediscovery or current location of the N.P. Sprague‘s wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No navigational warnings or advisories are currently associated with the N.P. Sprague wreck site.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The N.P. Sprague serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by steam tugs on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in Pelee Passage highlights the perils of maritime navigation in that era.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: N.P. Sprague, steam tug, shipwreck, Lake Erie, Point au Pelee, Great Lakes maritime history
  • Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, 19th-century Great Lakes vessels, Maritime history of Ontario
  • Glossary Terms: Steam tug, maritime history(linkstothepast.com)

Note: Due to the lack of specific information regarding the current location or accessibility of the N.P. Sprague wreck, shore dive information is not applicable.

n-p-sprague 1884-07-25 21:38:00