Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Theora
- Type: Wood-hulled fish tug
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: Duncan Robertson
- Dimensions: Length 62 ft (18.9 m); Beam 14.3 ft (4.36 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross 24.08; Net 12.04
- Location: Iron Bay, Lower Marquette Harbor, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 145640
- Original Owners: John Parker Fish Co., Marquette, Michigan
- Number of Masts: 1
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Theora is classified as a wood-hulled fish tug, designed for fishing operations on Lake Superior. It features a single deck and is powered by a screw propulsion system.
Description
Theora was built in 1893 by Duncan Robertson in Grand Haven, Michigan. It is noted for being one of the first fishing tugs constructed specifically for Lake Superior. The vessel has a length of 62 feet, a beam of 14.3 feet, and a depth of 6 feet, with a gross tonnage of 24.08 and a net tonnage of 12.04.
History
Theora had a notable service history, particularly in the fishing industry. In 1897, it delivered a record haul of approximately 6 tons of lake trout, a record that stood until 1902. The vessel also performed marine services, including towing and assisting stranded vessels, particularly noted in 1905.
Throughout its operational years, Theora was involved in several significant marine events, including rescuing the crew of the William T. Rend in May 1905 and being trapped in ice in May 1917.
Significant Incidents
- 1920: A boiler fire occurred during maintenance, causing extensive damage to the vessel.
Final Disposition
Theora sank at her mooring at Spear Coal Dock in Iron Bay in 1926. There are no confirmed records of fatalities associated with the sinking. In May 1929, the vessel was lifted by the crane scow Detour, and its machinery was removed before it was scuttled in Iron Bay.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of Theora is unknown, but it is likely that the wooden hull has degraded over time. The machinery was removed prior to the scuttling, and there have been no public dive surveys or archaeological reports conducted on the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”theora-us-145640″ title=”References & Links”]
Theora represents an important piece of maritime history as an early wooden screw fish tug. Its operations and eventual scuttling in Iron Bay provide opportunities for archaeological interest and further research into early 20th-century fishing practices and vessel construction.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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