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.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

Description

The wreck lies on the lakebed with much of its wooden hull splayed out: approximately two‑thirds of the starboard side and about three‑quarters of the bottom remain intact, with a smaller section of the port side still present. On the stern‑post area there is a plugged shaft‑hole (indicating a propeller shaft once passed through). A rectangular rudder with quadrant lies nearby. A single iron tow‑bitt is present near the bow region. The machinery is distinctive: a fire‑box boiler (with steam drum) lies on its side on the starboard side; a double‑expansion steam engine is mounted transversely (i.e., the axis of the engine is across the beam of the hull) with no obvious direct drive shaft to the stern. The flywheel on the engine bears a wooden clamp (a coupler or wooden clamp) on the outward side of its shaft, and a small belt‑driven governor is located atop the engine. One piston casting appears to have been removed. The distinctive transverse engine, flywheel clamp and the plugged propeller shaft hole together suggest that the vessel may have been re‑purposed late in its life for a function other than standard towing.

History

The vessel’s operational life is unknown owing to lack of archival identification. Measured length on the site (~76 ft) does not match the known registry length of the candidate vessel Luther Loomis, which the survey team initially considered. As a result, the wreck is assigned an “unknown identity” pending archival correlation. Originally the wreck was thought to be the Luther Loomis, but subsequent survey work by Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago (UASC) found that the measured dimensions and some machinery features did not match the Loomis’s documented plans/specifications. The current hypothesis is that the tug was repurposed (perhaps to serve as a stationary steam‑plant, winch‑boat, pile‑driver, or other industrial support craft) and eventually was intentionally scuttled at this location in Lake Michigan.

Final Disposition

Cause of loss appears to be deliberate scuttling rather than storm or collision. The site condition suggests settled on bottom, partially collapsed but showing structural elements and machinery in place. The hull is broken but not overly scattered — consistent with a controlled sinking event rather than violent final voyage. The presence of a stopped and plugged shaft opening implies the propeller was removed or disconnected before sinking. The vessel appears to be a partial loss (hull largely intact) rather than completely consumed by fire or explosion.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was located by Bill Mea (hence the local nickname “Mea Tug”). The model of the wreck was created from 1,468 30‑megapixel images collected by Ken Merryman, supported by Scott Reimer and Donald Smith of UASC. The survey and imaging work appears to have been conducted recently (date unspecified). A publicly accessible 3D model is available via the link: https://3dshipwrecks.org/shipwreck-unknown-aka-mea‑tug/. The wreck’s first formal recognition by UASC and inclusion in their upcoming report (“Luther Loomis / Mea Tug Underwater Archaeological Survey Report”) is still forthcoming.

Notmars & Advisories

None noted in available documentation. As a submerged wooden‑hulled vessel in Lake Michigan, it is protected under the federal Abandoned Shipwreck Act (1987) and state of Illinois laws; disturbing or removing artifacts is prohibited. Divers should treat it as an archaeological site rather than a recreational wreck to salvage.

Dive Information

Access: By boat (offshore location) Entry Point: Launch from Chicago‑area lakefront (specific harbor depends on dive charter) Conditions: Depth ~60 ft (≈ 18 m) — accessible to recreational certified divers, but visibility in Lake Michigan can vary significantly; cold‑water conditions prevail; thermocline and wind‑driven turbidity may apply. Depth Range: ~60 ft (≈ 18 m) Emergency Contacts: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan (Chicago) – and local dive charter/emergency service provider Permits: Diving likely allowed but removal of artifacts prohibited; check with Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Dive Support: Local Chicago‑area dive shops and charters active on Lake Michigan; consult for site coordinates, depth, bottom conditions, weather forecast, and no‑pen entry.

Crew & Casualty Memorials

The crew list and any casualties are unknown because the vessel’s identity is undetermined and no historical rescue/ loss event has been clearly tied to this wreck. Should future archival work identify the vessel, connections to crew manifests, personnel files, or memorials can be added.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“Much of the site interpretation was referenced from a UASC preliminary report by Donald Smith.”

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Because the vessel is presently unknown, the official number, registry port, enrollment records and insurance trails remain to be researched. Once archival matches (shipyard records, registry lists, insurance company files) are located based on hull dimensions (76 ft length), steam engine configuration (double‑expansion, transverse), and hull material (wood), finer attribution may be possible.

Site Documentation & Imaging

The wreck has been documented via a photogrammetric 3D survey: 1,468 high‑resolution (30‑megapixel) images were collected by Ken Merryman with support from Scott Reimer and Donald Smith (UASC). A publicly accessible 3D model is available via the link above. Structural and mechanical features such as the transverse‑mounted double‑expansion steam engine, flywheel with wooden clamp, and plugged propeller shaft hole have been photographed and surveyed. Further sonar mapping, diver survey logs, and measured drawings are expected in the upcoming UASC report.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
• Newspapers.com
• Find A Grave

References

1. Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago (UASC) preliminary survey and internal report — Donald Smith, “Luther Loomis / Mea Tug Underwater Archaeological Survey Report” (forthcoming) — referenced in site description.
2. “Underwater Museums (Lake Michigan)”, *Outdoor Illinois*, June 2006, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (for general context of IL shipwreck protection)

NOAA Shipwreck Record Card

unknown-aka-mea-tug-wreck 1980-10-25 23:26:00