Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Tornado
- Type: Propeller tug, wood
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Thos. Christinson, Red River, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 56 x 12 x 7 ft (17.07 x 3.66 x 2.13 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 22 tons
- Location: Red River, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 145037
- Original Owners: Leatham & Smith
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type & Design
The Tornado was a propeller tug, built in 1872 by Thos. Christinson in Red River, Wisconsin. As a wooden vessel, it was likely used for towing or assisting in the movement of larger ships or barges on Lake Michigan. Its relatively small size (56 feet in length and 22 tons) indicates it was a regional workhorse for river and lake operations, likely engaged in shifting cargo or providing harbor assistance in smaller waterways or ports.
Description
Final Voyage & Loss
On July 3, 1886, the Tornado was laid up for the holiday at its dock in Red River, Wisconsin, where it was unfortunately struck by a fire. The fire broke out at her dock and quickly consumed the vessel, leaving it a total loss. There was no cargo aboard the tug at the time, and fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.
After the fire, the vessel’s engine was salvaged and removed, while the remains of the hull were burned for the fittings. It’s a clear example of how even tugboats—which are vital to the operation of port economies—could suffer a quick and destructive fate, particularly when fire was involved. The Tornado was owned by the company Leatham & Smith at the time of the incident.
History
Notmars & Advisories
Red River, Wisconsin was an active port and riverway, and it’s important to note that fires on ships tied to docks, especially wooden vessels, were a major hazard in the 19th century, potentially leading to significant property damage. Fire Risk: Wooden ships, especially those with active machinery and engines, presented a high fire risk, particularly in ports with heavy seasonal traffic and dockside activity.
Final Disposition
Conclusion
The propeller tug Tornado, a vital vessel on Lake Michigan, met an untimely fate on July 3, 1886, when it caught fire at its dock in Red River, Wisconsin, burning to a total loss. Thankfully, there were no casualties in the incident, but the vessel’s loss serves as a reminder of the significant risks of fire for wooden ships of the era. Though the engine was salvaged, the vessel was completely destroyed. It stands as another example of how unforeseen incidents could erase the working fleet of the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
Resources & Links
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