Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sampson
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven tug
- Year Built: 1901
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: North of Pigeon River, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, Michigan
- Official Number: 22381
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Sampson was a wooden propeller-driven tug, built in 1901. It served in various capacities typical of tugs of its era.
Description
The Sampson was stranded north of Pigeon River in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The exact circumstances of the stranding are not well documented, but it is noted that no fatalities occurred during the incident.
History
The Sampson was declared a total loss following its stranding. Documentation related to the vessel was surrendered in Port Huron on November 17, 1914.
Significant Incidents
- The Sampson was stranded in Saginaw Bay on January 19, 1914, though registry records indicate a conflicting date of June 19, 1914.
- No fatalities were reported in connection with the incident.
- Details regarding weather conditions, cargo, or rescue operations are not available.
Final Disposition
The Sampson was declared a total loss. Documentation was surrendered in Port Huron on November 17, 1914.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The precise grounding location is noted as ‘North of Pigeon River’ within Saginaw Bay. Given the wooden construction and lack of salvage records, the wreck likely remains partially submerged in shallow waters or interred in sediments. No modern surveys or dive reports are known.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sampson-us-22381″ title=”References & Links”]
The Sampson serves as a reminder of the maritime risks in Saginaw Bay during the early 20th century, highlighting the challenges faced by small working craft in this perilous region.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Vessel Name: Sampson
- Official Number: 22381
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven tug
- Built: 1901 (inferred from registry)
- Incident Date: Likely January 19, 1914 (contrasting registry listing of Jun 19)
- Loss Location: North of Pigeon River, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, Michigan area (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, history.uscg.mil)
Final Voyage & Loss
- The Sampson was stranded (details scarce) north of Pigeon River in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- No fatalities occurred
- Regrettably, no information exists regarding weather conditions, cargoes, or rescue operations.
Final Disposition
- Declared a total loss.
- Documentation surrendered in Port Huron on November 17, 1914. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, history.uscg.mil)
Location & Wreck Condition
- Precise grounding location: “North of Pigeon River,” within Saginaw Bay.
- Because this was a grounding incident with wooden construction and no salvage records, the wreck likely remains partially submerged in shallow bay waters or interred in sediments.
- No modern surveys or dive reports are known.
Research Gaps & Recommended Next Steps
| Area | Next Step |
|---|---|
| Date Discrepancy | Verify loss date—compare registry vs. MVUS entries to resolve whether Jan 19 or Jun 19, 1914 is correct. |
| Local Press Archives | Search Bay City Times, Saginaw News, Frankenmuth News from Jan–Jun 1914 for reports of tug strandings in Saginaw Bay. |
| U.S. Lifesaving Service Report | Request logs from Saginaw Bay lifesaving crews, especially near Pigeon River lighthouse. |
| Port Huron Papers | Investigate surrender and insurance file in Port Huron death registry in Fall 1914. |
| Hydrographic/Side-scan Survey | Conduct shallow-water scan north of Pigeon River to detect hull remains or beam. |
| Registry & Ownership Info | Investigate the owner listed at registry surrender and connect with any marine insurance claims or company records. |
Summary Profile
- Name: Sampson
- Official No.: 22381
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Built: 1901 (approx.)
- Lost: Jan 19 (registry says Jun 19) 1914
- Cause: Stranded (storm/unidentified)
- Location: North of Pigeon River, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
- Casualties: None
- Registry Surrendered: Nov 17, 1914, Port Huron
- Condition: Likely remains partially buried; no surveys
Significance
- Illustrates maritime risk in Saginaw Bay during early 20th century—an often perilous region due to shallow bars and shifting sands.
- The incident underscores challenges in documenting small working craft losses, as tugs like Sampson rarely made headlines.
- A wreck site could offer insight into tug construction and operations during that period, serving research and heritage diving.