Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Satisfaction
- Type: Tug
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: North of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
- Type: Wooden steam tug, built in 1871
- Role: Designed to tow schooner-barges on the Great Lakes
Description
The tug Satisfaction, built in 1871, was primarily used for towing schooner-barges on the Great Lakes. It was a wooden steam tug that played a significant role in maritime operations during its service.
History
The tug Satisfaction was involved in various towing operations throughout its service life. On June 25, 1899, while towing the schooner-barge Tracy J. Bronson north of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the tug caught fire.
Significant Incidents
- Date & Route: While towing the schooner-barge Tracy J. Bronson north of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
- Cargo for Companion: The Bronson was en route to East Jordan, Michigan, to receive lumber.
- Incident: Around 12 PM, flames broke out—likely near the pilothouse or boiler—spreading quickly.
- Crew Response: The crew evacuated safely in the tug’s yawl; some sheltered aboard the Bronson.
- Rescue Efforts:
- Goodrich Line steamer Georgia attempted intervention, but its boiler exploded.
- Steamer Olympia then tried to tow the still-burning tug, which sank during tow.
- Tug Sheboygan later secured the Bronson.
- All tug crew reached shore safely in Sheboygan.
Final Disposition
The tug Satisfaction sank after the fire, despite several salvage attempts by other vessels. Fortunately, all crew members evacuated safely, and no casualties were reported.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented in the available sources. Further exploration may be needed to assess the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”satisfaction-1871″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Satisfaction serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by maritime vessels in the late 19th century. Ongoing research may uncover more details about its history and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
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.
(Tug, built 1871; lost June 25, 1899)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Type: Wooden steam tug, built in 1871
- Role: Designed to tow schooner-barges on the Great Lakes
Final Voyage & Fire (June 25, 1899)
- Date & Route: While towing the schooner‑barge Tracy J. Bronson north of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Cargo for Companion: The Bronson was en route to East Jordan, Michigan, to receive lumber
- Incident: Around 12 PM, flames broke out—likely near the pilothouse or boiler—spreading quickly
- Crew Response: The crew evacuated safely in the tug’s yawl; some sheltering aboard the Bronson
- Rescue Efforts:
- Goodrich Line steamer Georgia attempted intervention, but its boiler exploded
- Steamer Olympia then tried to tow the still-burning tug, which sank during tow
- Tug Sheboygan later secured the Bronson
- All tug crew reached shore safely in Sheboygan
Summary
The tug Satisfaction, built in 1871, caught fire while towing the Tracy J. Bronson on June 25, 1899, near Sheboygan. The blaze ignited near the boiler and engulfed the vessel quickly. Salvage attempts by several vessels failed, and Satisfaction sank. Fortunately, the crew evacuated in time—no casualties were reported.
Further Research & Archival Opportunities
| Area | Why It Matters | Suggested Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Exact cause & spread of fire | To clarify mechanical or boiler failure behind ignition | Local newspapers (Sheboygan Press, June 1899); marine incident reports |
| Crew documentary details | Adds personal context and names for the evacuation | Enrollment logs; tug crew records |
| Logbooks of Georgia, Olympia, Sheboygan | May provide survivor testimony and rescue actions | Company archives, marine registries |
| Pre-existing vessel damage | Noting prior sinking in White River may show structural weaknesses | Chicago River marine records |
| Insurance and salvage files | Can illuminate claimed losses and liability | Marine insurance ledgers |
- Retrieve June 1899 newspaper coverage surrounding the fire and sinking?
- Access company or port logs from the involved vessels?
- Pull insurance or marine board records relating to the loss?