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

• Vessel Name: Smith
• Type: Steam Tug
• Year Built: 1881
• Builder: Not specified
  • Length: 120 feet (36.6 meters)
  • Beam: 21.7 feet (6.6 meters)
  • Depth (Draft): 10.5 feet (3.2 meters)
• Final Location: Long Point, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 42°28.486′ N, 79°59.061′ W
• Depth: 165 feet (53 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Smith was a steam-powered tugboat, designed for towing and salvage operations, equipped with a firebox boiler and various high-performance engines throughout its service life. Its robust construction and modifications over time made it suitable for both commercial transport and wrecking operations.

History

Early Years

The Smith was enrolled in Buffalo, New York, on June 9, 1881, serving Buffalo-Niagara River ports. It changed hands multiple times, operating excursions and freight transport on the Great Lakes. Notable owners included South Shore Transportation Co., John B. Lyon, and Wm Botsford.

• Major Modifications
  • 1888 Rebuild: Reconstructed in Port Huron with two decks, removing its mast and increasing its tonnage to 240.57 gross tons.
  • 1900 Rebuild: Underwent another significant overhaul, reflecting its evolving roles.
• Engine & Boiler Details
  • Original Engine: Steeple compound engine built by Frontier Engine Works (1872), 295 HP.
  • Replacements: Equipped with advanced HPNC and fore-and-aft compound engines during its later years.
• Boilers: Initially fitted with a firebox boiler (built by M. Riter, 1872) and later upgraded.

Operational Highlights

The tug served various roles, including wrecking and salvage operations under Leatham & Smith Towing & Wrecking Co. and later Reid Wrecking Co. It was also involved in the lumber trade under Georgian Bay Lumber Co.

Final Voyage

On October 24, 1930, the Smith foundered off Long Point, Ontario, in Lake Erie during a storm. Despite its robust construction, the vessel succumbed to the treacherous conditions of the lake. The loss was a significant blow to its operators, but no lives were reported lost in the incident.

Wreck Site Description

The Smith lies in 165 feet (53 meters) of water, tilted slightly to the port side. The site is remarkably well-preserved:

• Wheelhouse: Intact, with the spoked wheel and Chadburn at the helm.
• Stack: Collapsed, with the whistle loosely atop the pilothouse.
• Anchor: A mushroom anchor remains visible on the port side.
• Stern Details: The vessel’s name and port of registry are visible under the accumulation of zebra mussels.
• Visibility: Due to the depth, visibility can be excellent, though conditions vary depending on season and weather.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

No specific NOTMARs have been issued for the wreck of the Smith, but the site is known among divers and should be approached with caution. It does not currently pose a hazard to navigation.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Diving Considerations:

The wreck lies at a technical diving depth of 165 feet, suitable for experienced divers with proper training and equipment. The intact structures make it a fascinating site for exploration, but the depth and cold temperatures require advanced planning and safety protocols.

Preservation:

The cold, fresh waters of Lake Erie have preserved much of the vessel’s structure, making it a valuable site for historical study and underwater photography.

Historical Significance

The Smith represents the versatility and durability of steam tugs during the Great Lakes’ maritime boom. Its long service life, numerous reconstructions, and varied roles illustrate the evolving needs of the region’s shipping and salvage industries.

External Links & Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of the Great Lakes wrecks.
• Great Lakes Ships: Vessel histories and technical specifications.

Conclusion

The Smith is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of 19th-century Great Lakes maritime engineering. Its well-preserved wreck offers divers and historians a unique opportunity to explore a piece of nautical history. From its bustling days as a steam tug to its final resting place off Long Point, the Smith continues to tell the story of the Great Lakes’ dynamic and often perilous waterways.

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