Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Roy
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven steam tug
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Lester, Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 79 ft × 18 ft × 9 ft; 88 gross tons, 51 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 88 gross tons, 51 net tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 7.32 m / 24 ft
- Location: Lake Erie, approximately 1.5 miles east of Stoney Point
- Official Number: 110634
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Roy was a wooden propeller-driven steam tug, designed for work and support in the Great Lakes fleet.
Description
Built in 1884, the Roy was primarily used for assisting larger vessels during challenging seasonal conditions, particularly in ice navigation.
History
Operating out of Chicago, the Roy played a crucial role in the Great Lakes fleet, particularly during the winter months when ice posed significant hazards to navigation.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents include:
- On December 16, 1895, while towing the disabled steamer Panther, the Roy was severely damaged by moving ice and sank in approximately 24 feet of water.
- The crew successfully escaped by walking across the ice to the assisting tug S.C. Schenck.
Final Disposition
The Roy foundered in Lake Erie, and while it sank quickly, there is no documentation indicating that a salvage operation took place or that hazard markers were established post-sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in shallow water, approximately 1.5 miles off Stoney Point. The quick sinking and its location likely prompted timely clearing or marking, but no further documentation suggests that hazard markers persisted.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”roy-us-110634″ title=”References & Links”]
The Roy exemplifies the perils faced by Great Lakes tugs during ice navigation. Her site may still host remains that warrant survey, and further research could provide insights into the conditions of her sinking.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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