Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: P.M. Campbell
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: S.D. Andrews, Collingwood, Ontario
- Dimensions: 72 × 14 × 7 ft; 49 gross tons, 33 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 49 gross tons, 33 net tons
- Location: Manitowaning Bay
- Official Number: C94684
- Original Owners: Canal and Lake Towing Co., New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller tug designed for towing operations on the Great Lakes.
Description
Description
The P.M. Campbell was a wooden tugboat built in 1889, measuring 72 feet in length and weighing 49 gross tons. It was powered by diesel and primarily operated in the Great Lakes region.
History
History
Constructed by S.D. Andrews in Collingwood, Ontario, the P.M. Campbell served under the Canal and Lake Towing Company. It was known for its towing capabilities and played a significant role in maritime operations in the area.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On September 11, 1908, while moored at Manitowaning Bay, the P.M. Campbell caught fire near the engine compartment, likely due to maintenance or engine operation.
- Local firefighting efforts were hindered by the risk of sinking the vessel, leading to Coast Guard personnel towing it past the breakwater, where it burned out completely.
- No loss of life was reported during the incident.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The P.M. Campbell was scuttled to extinguish the fire and was later declared a total loss. The burned hulk remains at sea, with no formal salvage or site survey recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the P.M. Campbell has not been formally surveyed, and its current condition is unknown. It is significant as a representation of early diesel-powered vessels and the risks associated with them.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”p-m-campbell-c-94684″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The P.M. Campbell’s story highlights the challenges of early 20th-century marine fire response and the inherent risks of diesel-powered small craft. The vessel’s legacy is intertwined with the maritime heritage of Manitoulin Island.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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