Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rebel
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: Notter
- Dimensions: 54 ft (16.5 m) X 15 ft (4.6 m) X 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 29 gross / 15 net tons
- Location: Lake Superior, near Pork Bay
- Official Number: 110083
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller tug designed for towing operations, primarily used in the Great Lakes region.
Description
The Rebel was a wooden steam tug built in 1871, measuring approximately 54 feet in length, 15 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth. It had a registered tonnage of about 29 gross tons and 15 net tons.
History
Constructed in Buffalo, New York by Notter, the Rebel served primarily in towing operations on Lake Superior. It was involved in various towing tasks, particularly during the late-season when weather conditions could be treacherous.
Significant Incidents
- Lost on October 25, 1898, while towing a scow from Superior, Wisconsin to Pork Bay, Lake Superior.
- Overtaken by a sudden storm, the vessel foundered in deep water.
- The crew abandoned ship onto the scow and were later rescued by the steamer City of London.
- No casualties were reported; all crew members survived.
Final Disposition
The Rebel was a total loss after foundering in the storm. The incident highlights the risks associated with towing operations in adverse weather conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it lies submerged in Lake Superior. Accessibility for divers may vary based on local conditions and regulations.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rebel-us-110083″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Rebel serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by smaller steam tugs in the Great Lakes, particularly during late-season storms. The successful rescue of her crew underscores the importance of seamanship and safety protocols in maritime operations.
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.
built 1871; lost October 25, 1898, Propeller steam tug (wood), Lake Superior service
Vessel Identity & Specifications
- Official Number: 110083
- Built: 1871 at Buffalo, New York by Notter
- Type: Wooden propeller tug, approximately 54 × 15 × 8 ft, about 29 gross / 15 net tons
Final Voyage & Loss — October 25, 1898
- Estimated Route: Towing a scow from Superior, Wisconsin, intended for Pork Bay, Lake Superior
- Incident: Overtaken by a sudden storm while towing. The Rebel foundered in deep water.
- Crew Action: The crew abandoned ship onto the scow, and were later rescued by the steamer City of London.
- Casualties: None—crew survived
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Rebel |
| Built | 1871, Buffalo, NY (Notter) |
| Official No. | 110083 |
| Specs | ~54×15×8 ft; ~29 gt / ~15 nt |
| Date of Loss | October 25, 1898 |
| Route | Tow from Superior, WI → Pork Bay, Lake Superior |
| Cause | Foundered in storm |
| Crew & Casualties | All crew survived; rescued by City of London |
| Outcome | Total loss; barge-tug foundered |
Significance & Research Notes
- Rebel exemplifies the risks smaller steam tugs faced when towing scows across exposed Lake Superior routes in late-season weather.
- Her crew’s successful transfer to the scow—and subsequent rescue—demonstrates seamanship under duress and the value of towing redundancy.
- No cargo was listed, indicating her principal role was towing rather than carrying freight.
Suggested Research Avenues
To enrich the profile further, you might explore:
- Local newspaper archives (October–November 1898) in Superior, WI or along Lake Superior routes—potential reporting on storm conditions and the rescue operation.
- Company or ship registry archives—for owner/operator information and operational logs of the Rebel.
- Underwriter or marine insurance files—for claims data under Official No. 110083 and valuation of vessel loss.
- Shipping directories or crew logs—may provide crew names, tow contracts, and vessel deployment history.
Conclusion
The wooden steam tug Rebel, constructed in 1871, was lost in a storm on October 25, 1898, while towing a scow from Superior, Wisconsin to Pork Bay, Lake Superior. She foundered; however, her crew was safely rescued after abandoning onto the scow. No lives were lost. Her loss highlights the vulnerability of towing operations in late-season storms, and the importance of crew survival procedures.
rebel-us-110083 1898-10-25 12:37:00