Search Light – Lake Huron Tug Shipwreck (1907)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Search Light
• Type: Fishing Tug
• Year Built: 1899
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Approx. 40 ft (12.2 m) LOA; Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Just outside the Harbor Beach breakwater

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Steam-powered fishing tug, commonly referred to as Searchlight.

Description

The Search Light was a fishing tug built in 1899, primarily used for commercial fishing operations on Lake Huron. It had an approximate length of 40 feet and was engaged in deploying and retrieving fishing nets.

History

The Search Light was based in Harbor Beach, Michigan, and was involved in local fishing activities. On April 23, 1907, it left Harbor Beach at noon to retrieve fishing nets but encountered a sudden northwest gale that led to its sinking.

Significant Incidents

• Loss Date: April 23, 1907
• Weather Conditions: Caught by a sudden northwest gale in the afternoon.
• Incident Details: Foundered close to the breakwater; crew and vessel disappeared from view of the Life-Saving Service station.
• Casualties: All six aboard were lost; no survivors.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Search Light is considered historically significant but remains unverified, with no confirmed dives or sonar imaging documented. It is believed to lie in deeper water near the breakwater.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of now, there has been no formal wreck survey conducted. The site is likely deep and exposed, suggesting that a technical dive or remote survey may be necessary for exploration.

Resources & Links

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The Search Light remains a poignant example of early 20th-century commercial fishing risks on Lake Huron. While documented in narrative sources, her wreck remains unverified and uncharted, presenting opportunities for archival retrieval and underwater survey.