St. Joe – Lake Superior Tug Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: St. Joe
• Type: Tugboat
• Year Built: 1902
• Builder: Port Arthur, Ontario
• Dimensions: 70 ft (21.34 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.62 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.13 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 118
• Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
• Official Number: 112007
• Original Owners: J. Servais; Canadian Towing & Wrecking Co.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Tugboat

Description

The St. Joe was a tugboat constructed in 1902 at Port Arthur, Ontario. With a length of 70 feet (21.34 metres), a beam of 25 feet (7.62 metres), and a depth of 7 feet (2.13 metres), she had a gross tonnage of 118. The vessel was powered by a screw propulsion system, typical for tugboats of that era.

History

In 1907, the St. Joe was owned by J. Servais of Port Arthur. By 1917, ownership had transferred to the Canadian Towing & Wrecking Co., a company based in Port Arthur that operated until at least 1936. On August 20, 1914, the tugboat suffered significant damage due to a fire in Port Arthur but was subsequently repaired and returned to service.

Significant Incidents

• August 20, 1914: The St. Joe suffered significant damage due to a fire in Port Arthur but was repaired and returned to service.

Final Disposition

Specific details regarding the date and circumstances of the St. Joe’s scuttling in Thunder Bay, Ontario, are not readily available. Further research in local archives or maritime records may provide more information on her final disposition.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Nil

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”st-joe-c-112007″ title=”References & Links”]

The St. Joe’s service life reflects the operational challenges faced by early 20th-century tugboats on the Great Lakes. Her ownership changes and recovery from fire damage highlight the resilience and adaptability of such vessels during that period. Further investigation into local maritime records may shed more light on her operational history and final scuttling.