Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Pearl B. Campbell
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: John B. Martel, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: 55.2 ft (16.8 m); Beam: 15.8 ft; Depth of hold: 6.9 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Near Huron Islands, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Exact location unknown
- Official Number: US 150296
- Original Owners: Inman Tug Line, Duluth, Minnesota
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Pearl B. Campbell was a wooden propeller steam tug, designed for towing and assisting other vessels in distress on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Pearl B. Campbell was a small but vital tugboat serving the Great Lakes, operated by the Inman Tug Line out of Duluth, Minnesota. Primarily employed in assisting stranded vessels and towing duties, the tug was a lifeline for the shipping industry on Lake Superior.
History
The Pearl B. Campbell was built in 1883 by John B. Martel in Saugatuck, Michigan. It played a crucial role in maritime operations, particularly in the harsh conditions of Lake Superior.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Incident: December 7, 1895
- Cause of Loss: Severe winter storm and ice accumulation
After successfully assisting the schooner Henry A. Kent near Marquette, Michigan, the Pearl B. Campbell embarked on its return trip to Duluth. The weather worsened rapidly as the tug neared the Huron Islands, with gale-force winds and icy conditions. Ice began to accumulate on the vessel’s upperworks, throwing it off balance. As water breached the deck, the tug began to sink stern first. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the Pearl B. Campbell succumbed to the storm.
Final Disposition
All seven men aboard the tug perished, marking the tragedy as one of Lake Superior’s many maritime disasters. The crew members lost were:
- Captain William McGillivray
- George McCort (Engineer)
- Captain John Lloyd (Mate)
- Fred England (Second Engineer)
- Peter McCallin (Cook)
- Two Unnamed Firemen
The disaster left a profound impact on the maritime community, particularly in Duluth, where the crew members were well-known.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Pearl B. Campbell remains lost beneath the waters of Lake Superior, with its exact location unknown. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and practice no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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The story of the Pearl B. Campbell remains a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Superior, reminding us of both the resilience and the vulnerability of those who depend on the Great Lakes for their livelihood.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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