The Tugs – Lake Huron Tug Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: The Tugs (John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K, Alice G)
• Type: Tugboats
• Year Built: 1924
• Builder: Port Dover, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 7 m / 20 ft
• Location: Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory
• Coordinates: Scattered throughout the harbour, specific wreck locations vary.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

These vessels were wooden fishing tugs and workboats integral to the local fishing and maritime industries in Tobermory, Lake Huron. Each played a critical role in transportation, harbor services, and fishing operations. Their robust construction and small size made them ideal for the region’s needs, but their fates reflect the challenges faced by early 20th-century maritime operations.

Description

The tugboat wrecks in Little Tub Harbour offer a fascinating glimpse into Tobermory’s maritime heritage. While the John & Alice, Bob Foote, and Robert K are scattered and heavily deteriorated, they highlight the pivotal roles these vessels played in the region’s fishing and transport industries. The Alice G, standing out as the most intact and accessible wreck, serves as a historical monument and a premier dive site for Lake Huron enthusiasts.

History

• John & Alice
  • Build Year & Location: 1924, Port Dover, Ontario.
  • Service: Served as a fishing tug supporting local industries.
  • Fate: Burned and sank on December 6, 1947.
  • Legacy: Played a vital role in the local economy before its loss.
• Bob Foote
  • Service: Early 20th-century workboat with limited historical details.
  • Fate: Burned and sank in 1905, becoming one of the earlier wrecks in the harbor.
• Robert K
  • Build Year & Location: Port Dover, Ontario.
  • Service: A reliable workhorse for regional operations.
  • Fate: Burned and sank on June 23, 1935.
• Alice G
  • Length: 67 feet.
  • Service: Functioned as a tugboat for various local tasks.
  • Fate: Ran aground and sank in November 1927.
  • Significance: Unlike the other wrecks, the Alice G is intact and serves as a key diving attraction in Little Tub Harbour.

Significant Incidents

• John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K: Broken up and scattered near the wooden access deck in front of the Grandview Inn, forming debris fields.
• Alice G: Lies intact and buoyed to the right of the access deck, offering a structured dive site.

Final Disposition

The wrecks are part of Little Tub Harbour’s known underwater sites, frequently explored by local divers and historians. No specific rediscovery dates are recorded, but they are well-documented and visited regularly.

Current Condition & Accessibility

John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K: Broken, fragmented remains accessible to beginner divers, though visibility and debris may pose minor challenges.

Alice G: The most intact wreck, providing a rewarding dive for history enthusiasts and offering insights into early 20th-century tug construction. Its location is well-marked for ease of access.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”the-tugs-john-alice-bob-foote-robert-k-alice-g” title=”References & Links”]

These wrecks provide a unique opportunity for divers to explore the maritime history of the Great Lakes, with the Alice G serving as a highlight for those interested in the region’s nautical past.