Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Tiger
- Type: Dredge scow
- Year Built: 1918
- Builder: Kingston, NY
- Dimensions: 80 x 26 x 5 ft (24.4 x 7.9 x 1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 102 gross tons
- Location: Off Lakeside, Michigan
- Official Number: 166685
- Original Owners: Steven A. Boston, Detroit
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Tiger was a steel dredge scow built in 1918 at Kingston, New York. A dredge scow is a type of barge used in dredging operations, specifically for transporting dredged material. With its steel construction, the vessel was robust and suitable for heavy work in maritime construction or harbor maintenance.
Description
The Tiger had the specifications of 80 feet (24.4 meters) in length, 26 feet (7.9 meters) in width, and 5 feet (1.5 meters) in depth, and had a gross tonnage of 102 tons. While scows like the Tiger were typically unpowered, they would be towed by other vessels or used for transporting material in shallow waters, primarily in dredging operations.
History
On July 26, 1929, the dredge scow Tiger caught fire while off the shore of Lakeside, Michigan, on Lake Michigan. The fire led to the vessel’s total loss, and it eventually sank due to the damage caused by the blaze. There were no reports of loss of life, but specifics regarding casualties have not been confirmed. The Tiger was owned by Steven A. Boston of Detroit at the time of its loss.
There is some ambiguity regarding its construction date as records also show a 1915 construction in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with slightly different specifications of 80 x 26 x 5 feet and 102 gross tons.
Significant Incidents
- July 26, 1929: Caught fire off Lakeside, Michigan, leading to total loss and sinking.
Final Disposition
The Tiger was lost to a fire on July 26, 1929, off Lakeside, Michigan on Lake Michigan. Despite being an industrial vessel, the Tiger suffered significant damage from the blaze, ultimately leading to its sinking. The specifics surrounding the cause of the fire and loss of life are unclear, but the vessel was owned by Steven A. Boston of Detroit at the time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Mariners in the Lakeside area of Lake Michigan should remain cautious of any remaining wreckage or debris from the Tiger or similar sunken vessels. Regular inspections for fire hazards are recommended for vessels involved in dredging operations.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”tiger-us-166685″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
This wreck serves as a reminder of the dangers that even industrial and work vessels face on the Great Lakes, where fire and other hazards can lead to sudden and tragic losses.
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
- Name: Tiger
- Other Names: None
- Official Number: 166685
- Type at Loss: Dredge scow, steel
- Builder: Kingston, NY
- Date Built: 1918
- Specifications: 80 x 26 x 5 feet (24.4 x 7.9 x 1.5 meters), 102 gross tons (102n)
- Date of Loss: July 26, 1929
- Place of Loss: Off Lakeside, Michigan
- Lake: Michigan
- Type of Loss: Fire
Vessel Type & Description
The Tiger was a steel dredge scow built in 1918 at Kingston, New York. A dredge scow is a type of barge used in dredging operations, specifically for transporting dredged material. With its steel construction, the vessel was robust and suitable for heavy work in maritime construction or harbor maintenance.
The Tiger had the specifications of 80 feet (24.4 meters) in length, 26 feet (7.9 meters) in width, and 5 feet (1.5 meters) in depth, and had a gross tonnage of 102 tons. While scows like the Tiger were typically unpowered, they would be towed by other vessels or used for transporting material in shallow waters, primarily in dredging operations.
Final Voyage & Loss
On July 26, 1929, the dredge scow Tiger caught fire while off the shore of Lakeside, Michigan, on Lake Michigan. The fire led to the vessel’s total loss, and it eventually sank due to the damage caused by the blaze. There were no reports of loss of life, but specifics regarding casualties have not been confirmed. The Tiger was owned by Steven A. Boston of Detroit at the time of its loss.
There is some ambiguity regarding its construction date as records also show a 1915 construction in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with slightly different specifications of 80 x 26 x 5 feet and 102 gross tons.
Notmars & Advisories
• Lakeside, Michigan: Mariners in the Lakeside area of Lake Michigan should remain cautious of any remaining wreckage or debris from the Tiger or similar sunken vessels.
• Fire Hazards on Steel Vessels: Even steel vessels, when involved in certain operations (such as dredging), may be exposed to combustible materials or intense heat sources that can lead to fires. Mariners should inspect their vessels regularly for fire hazards.
Resources & Links
• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Wikipedia – Kingston NY Lakeside
Conclusion
The steel dredge scow Tiger was lost to a fire on July 26, 1929, off Lakeside, Michigan on Lake Michigan. Despite being an industrial vessel, the Tiger suffered significant damage from the blaze, ultimately leading to its sinking. The specifics surrounding the cause of the fire and loss of life are unclear, but the vessel was owned by Steven A. Boston of Detroit at the time. This wreck serves as a reminder of the dangers that even industrial and work vessels face on the Great Lakes, where fire and other hazards can lead to sudden and tragic losses.
Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Steel dredge scow, Great Lakes fire, Lakeside Michigan shipwreck, dredging vessel loss, 1929 fire shipwreck
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes dredge vessels, Industrial shipwrecks, 1920s maritime history
Glossary Terms: Dredge scow, Fire, Tonnage, Industrial vessel
tiger-us-166685 1929-07-26 07:55:00