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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”pearl-b-campbell-us-150296″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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.
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.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Name: Pearl B. Campbell
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Owner: Inman Tug Line, Duluth, Minnesota
- Built: 1883, by John B. Martel, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Length: 55.2 feet
- Beam: 15.8 feet
- Depth: 6.9 feet
- Gross Tonnage: Not specified
- Final Location: Near Huron Islands, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Exact location unknown
- Depth: Not specified
HISTORY & INCIDENT SUMMARY
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.
FINAL VOYAGE
- Date of Incident: December 7, 1895
- Cause of Loss: Severe winter storm and ice accumulation
Circumstances:
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.
LOSS OF LIFE
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.
SIGNIFICANCE
The sinking of the Pearl B. Campbell highlights the extreme risks faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the winter months. The event underscores the dangers posed by accumulating ice on small vessels, a persistent hazard for tugs and steamers in the region.
LEGACY
The Pearl B. Campbell and its crew are remembered as part of the enduring history of Great Lakes shipping. Their loss serves as a solemn reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who worked these inland seas, often in perilous conditions.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of vessel histories.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed archival records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
- Great Lakes Ships: Historical information on vessels operating in the region.
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.
Operated by the Inman Tug Line based in Duluth, Minnesota, the Pearl B. Campbell had been engaged in assisting the stranded schooner Henry A. Kent near Marquette. After successfully pulling the schooner free, the tug embarked on its return journey to Duluth. However, fate had a different plan in store. pearl-b-campbell-us-150296 1895-12-07 07:49:00