Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Silver Spray US 116676

Explore the accessible wreck of the Silver Spray, a tugboat that played a significant role in Great Lakes shipping history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: SILVER SPRAY
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Year Built: 1895
  • Builder: F.W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, MI
  • Dimensions: Length: 55 ft (17 m); Beam: 15.8 ft (4.8 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 38 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
  • Location: Scammon Cove, Drummond Island, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: 45° 56.923′ N, 83° 37.922′ W
  • Official Number: US 116676
  • Original Owners: Henry Corcan, Kreetan Company
  • Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The SILVER SPRAY is classified as a tugboat, primarily used for towing operations on the Great Lakes.

Description

The wreck of the SILVER SPRAY lies in shallow waters, with a depth ranging from 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters). The lower hull remains intact, showcasing the vessel’s robust wooden construction, while the upper deck and cabin structure have disintegrated over time. The engine has been salvaged, leaving only the boiler behind as a testament to her former power.

History

The SILVER SPRAY was built in 1895 by F.W. Wheeler & Co. in West Bay City, Michigan. Initially owned by Henry Corcan of Eagle Harbor, Michigan, it served as a towing vessel on Lake Superior, assisting in shipping and industrial activities. From 1925 to 1939, ownership transferred to the Kreetan Company of Drummond Island, where it supported lumber operations at Johnswood near Scammon Cove. The Kreetan Company faced financial difficulties, leading to the vessel’s abandonment.

Significant Incidents

  • Abandonment: Likely occurred before 1939, although the vessel was still officially listed as active until that time.
  • Location of Abandonment: Near Meade Island on the western side of Scammon Cove.

Final Disposition

The SILVER SPRAY was abandoned and eventually submerged, marking a shift in the region’s maritime and industrial landscape. The wreck is gradually being reclaimed by nature, with marine life establishing a habitat within the remains of the hull.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible to snorkelers and novice divers, providing an excellent opportunity for exploring a historical vessel in relatively clear and calm conditions. The boiler remains a focal point for exploration and documentation.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”silver-spray-us-116676″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The wreck of the SILVER SPRAY offers a captivating glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history. As divers and snorkelers explore this site, they are reminded to leave only bubbles and take only memories, preserving the integrity of this historical artifact.

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.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: SILVER SPRAY
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Location: Scammon Cove, Drummond Island, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: 45º 56.923′ N, 83º 37.922′ W
  • Depth: 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 55 feet (17 meters)
    • Beam: 15.8 feet (4.8 meters)
    • Hull Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 38 tons
  • Year Built: 1895
  • Builder: F.W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, M
  • Initial Owner: Henry Corcan of Eagle Harbor, M
  • Original Home Port: Marquette, MI
  • Service Role: Likely served as a towing vessel on Lake Superior, assisting in shipping and industrial activities.

Later Ownership and Use

  • 1925–1939:
  • Ownership transferred to the Kreetan Company of Drummond Island.
  • The tug supported the company’s operations at Johnswood near Scammon Cove, primarily in the lumber industry.
  • Financial Decline: The Kreetan Company faced financial difficulties and eventually went out of business.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Abandonment and Wrecking

  • Date Abandoned: Likely before 1939, though still officially listed as active until then.
  • Location: Near Meade Island on the western side of Scammon Cove.

Current Condition

  • The lower hull remains intact, offering insight into the vessel’s robust wooden construction.
  • The upper deck and cabin structure have disintegrated over time.
  • The engine has been salvaged, leaving only the boiler behind as a testament to her former power.

DIVE & SNORKEL INFORMATION

Accessibility:

  • The wreck is situated in shallow water, making it easily accessible to snorkelers and novice divers.
  • The site provides an excellent opportunity for exploring a historical vessel in relatively clear and calm conditions.

Depth Range: 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters).

SIGNIFICANCE IN MARITIME HISTORY

The SILVER SPRAY represents a bygone era of Great Lakes shipping and tugboat operations, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a vessel that served both in towing operations and the lumber trade, it played a role in the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.

Its abandonment and eventual submersion highlight the economic struggles faced by companies like Kreetan during this time, marking a shift in the region’s maritime and industrial landscape.

CURRENT SITE PRESERVATION

  • The wreck is gradually being reclaimed by nature, with marine life establishing a habitat within the remains of the hull.
  • The boiler, as the most prominent feature left, serves as a focal point for exploration and documentation.

TAGS #SilverSpray #DrummondIsland #ScammonCove #LakeHuronShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #TugboatWreck

RESOURCES & LINKS

  • Visit Drummond Island: Explore the island’s attractions, including maritime history and natural beauty.
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: For further information on the SILVER SPRAY and similar wrecks.

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the SILVER SPRAY provides an accessible and intriguing dive/snorkel site for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Its story offers a snapshot of Great Lakes maritime life and the challenges faced by vessels in the lumber and towing industries during the early 20th century. As it lies silently beneath the waters of Scammon Cove, the SILVER SPRAY continues to captivate those who seek to uncover the stories of the Great Lakes’ past.

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