Unidentified Hull – Tug

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unknown (believed to be a wooden tug)
• Type: Tugboat (Wooden)
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Estimated at 50 ft (15.24 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 1.5 m / 5 ft
• Location: Lake Huron
• Coordinates: Latitude 4503’17.2N, Longitude 8325’54.9W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

This wreck is believed to be a small, sturdy wooden tugboat, historically used for towing or pushing vessels in harbors, open waters, or narrow channels. Estimated at 50 feet in length, this vessel represents a common tug design used extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for maneuvering barges and assisting larger ships in tight areas.

Description

The wooden tugboat wreck was first documented in the historical survey H9839/79 and revisited in a 1975 survey. The vessel rests in shallow water at just 5 feet below the surface, posing a serious hazard to navigation. The wreckage has deteriorated significantly, leaving ribs, planking, and some mechanical components such as gears scattered across the site.

Historical records indicate that the wreck may have been situated on a protruding rib, exacerbating its danger to surface vessels. Visibility in the area is noted as poor, which complicates efforts to study or document the site thoroughly. A potential typo in historical position data suggests the latitude of 4503’17.2N is correct.

History

The wreck remains submerged in Lake Huron in a fragmented state. Its shallow depth and location in an area with poor visibility create a navigational hazard, particularly for small vessels and those with a shallow draft. The deteriorated condition of the wreck highlights the toll taken by time and harsh underwater conditions.

Significant Incidents

• Survey H9839/79 first identified the wreck.
• Investigated further during a 1975 survey, which provided additional details on its condition and hazardous nature.
• Coordinates are listed with caution due to a possible typo in earlier records.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains submerged in Lake Huron in a fragmented state. Its shallow depth and location in an area with poor visibility create a navigational hazard, particularly for small vessels and those with a shallow draft. The deteriorated condition of the wreck highlights the toll taken by time and harsh underwater conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Mariners should consult Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for any current advisories regarding the wreck’s location. Given the wreck’s shallow depth and poor visibility, extreme caution is advised for vessels navigating the area. Ongoing monitoring or updates to navigational charts may be necessary to mitigate risks.

Resources & Links

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The unidentified wooden tugboat wreck poses a serious navigational hazard in Lake Huron due to its shallow depth of only 5 feet below the surface and poor visibility conditions. Its deteriorated state underscores the challenges faced by maritime vessels and highlights the importance of accurate wreck charting for safe navigation. Further exploration and documentation by divers are recommended to verify its identity and ensure safe passage for mariners.