Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Sport US 115152

Explore the wreck of the Sport, a historic steam tug that foundered in Lake Huron in 1920, offering insights into early iron-hulled vessel construction.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Sport
  • Type: Steam tug
  • Year Built: 1873
  • Builder: Kirby Brothers
  • Dimensions: 56 ft (17.1 m) × 14 ft (4.3 m) × 9 ft (2.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 15.2 m / 50 ft
  • Location: Lake Huron, off Lexington, Michigan
  • Official Number: 115152
  • Original Owners: Unknown
  • Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Sport was a compact, iron-hulled steam tug designed for versatility in towing and harbor service. Its robust construction made it suitable for operations on the Great Lakes, where durability was critical.

Description

Built in 1873 by the Kirby Brothers at Wyandotte, Michigan, the tug Sport served for nearly 50 years. In 1886, she underwent dimensional modifications. On December 13, 1920, the Sport foundered off Lexington, Michigan, during harsh winter conditions. The precise cause of loss remains undocumented but may have involved rough seas, machinery failure, or ice damage.

History

The wreck lies in Lake Huron at ~50 ft (15.2 m). The tug rests on her side, largely intact except for missing cabins. A commemorative plaque has been placed at the site to honor her service, though it is not visible in 3D models.

Significant Incidents

The wreck was located and documented by divers and maritime researchers. It is a recognized dive site, providing insights into early iron-hulled tugboat construction. The date of discovery is not firmly recorded but it has been known to the diving community for decades.

Final Disposition

The site is suitable for intermediate divers due to moderate depth and structural integrity. Divers are urged to respect the commemorative plaque and refrain from disturbance or artifact removal.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is largely intact, with the hull remaining in good condition despite the absence of cabins. The site is accessible for diving, providing a unique opportunity to explore a historic vessel.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”sport-us-115152″ title=”References & Links”]

The Sport serves as a reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.

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.

SPORT (1873, Tug (Towboat))
Source: Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit-Mercy

Identification Card (Site Style)

Name: Sport
Other Names: None
Official Number: 115152
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Steam tug
Builder: Kirby Brothers
Place Built: Wyandotte, Michigan
Year Built: 1873
Hull Material: Iron
Masts: None
Engines: Single-expansion steam engine
Dimensions: 56 ft (17.1 m) × 14 ft (4.3 m) × 9 ft (2.7 m)
Tonnage: Not recorded
Cargo on Final Voyage: None (tugboat service)
Date of Loss: 13 December 1920
Location: Lake Huron, off Lexington, Michigan
Coordinates: Not publicly released
Depth: ~50 ft (15.2 m)
Home Port: Unknown
Owners: Unknown
Crew: Not documented
Casualties: Not documented

Vessel Type

The Sport was a compact, iron-hulled steam tug designed for versatility in towing and harbor service. Its robust construction made it suitable for operations on the Great Lakes, where durability was critical.

Description

Built in 1873 by the Kirby Brothers at Wyandotte, Michigan, the tug Sport served for nearly 50 years. In 1886, she underwent dimensional modifications. On December 13, 1920, the Sport foundered off Lexington, Michigan, during harsh winter conditions. The precise cause of loss remains undocumented but may have involved rough seas, machinery failure, or ice damage.

Final Dispositions

The wreck lies in Lake Huron at ~50 ft (15.2 m). The tug rests on her side, largely intact except for missing cabins. A commemorative plaque has been placed at the site to honor her service, though it is not visible in 3D models.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was located and documented by divers and maritime researchers. It is a recognized dive site, providing insights into early iron-hulled tugboat construction. The date of discovery is not firmly recorded but it has been known to the diving community for decades.

Notmars & Advisories

The site is suitable for intermediate divers due to moderate depth and structural integrity. Divers are urged to respect the commemorative plaque and refrain from disturbance or artifact removal.

Resources & Links

References

  1. Great Lakes Vessels Database, Bowling Green State University – Entry for Sport.
  2. 3DShipwrecks Project – Documentation of the Sport wreck site.

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card

Wreck Name: Sport
Other Names: None
Official Number: 115152
Coordinates: Not publicly released
Depth: ~50 ft (15.2 m)
Location Description: Lake Huron, off Lexington, Michigan
Vessel Type: Steam tug
Material: Iron
Dimensions: 56 ft × 14 ft × 9 ft
Condition: Intact hull, cabins missing
Cause of Loss: Foundered, likely due to storm or machinery failure
Discovery Date: 20th century (exact year unknown)
Discovered By: Local divers/researchers
Method: Recreational diving survey
Legal Notes: Commemorative plaque placed at site
Hazards: None significant, but cold water and currents possible
Permits Required: Standard dive safety practices; no artifact removal

Keywords

#Sport #LakeHuronShipwreck #IronTug #GreatLakesShipwreck #LexingtonMichigan #3DShipwrecks

3D Model – Sport

Sport by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: Sport, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Tugboat, Kirby Brothers, Iron-Hulled Vessel

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Work Vessels

Glossary: Single Expansion Steam Engine, Foundered, Commemorative Plaque, Iron Hull

sport-us-115152 1920-12-13 07:54:00