W.G. Fox – St. Clair River Tug Shipwreck (1921)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: W. G. Fox
• Type: Wooden-hulled steam tug
• Year Built: 1912
• Builder: Likely at a shipyard near the Fox River system, Northern Wisconsin
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: string
• Location: Likely in a riverside slip near Port Huron
• Coordinates: string
• Official Number: string
• Original Owners: string
• Number of Masts: string

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The W. G. Fox was a wooden-hulled steam tug, designed for towing and assisting larger vessels in navigation.

Description

The W. G. Fox was built in 1912 and served in various capacities until its destruction by fire in 1921. It was likely constructed at a shipyard near the Fox River system in Northern Wisconsin.

History

The W. G. Fox operated primarily in the St. Clair River area, engaging in routine towing operations. Its service history reflects the post-World War I era, where small tugs were essential for harbor operations.

Significant Incidents

• Destroyed by fire while moored in a riverside slip, likely near Port Huron.
• No casualties were reported; the crew escaped safely.
• The fire occurred simultaneously with two other tugs, raising questions about the cause.

Final Disposition

The vessel was completely destroyed by the fire, and its enrollment was officially forfeited. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with possibilities including mechanical failure, electrical malfunction, or mischief.

Current Condition & Accessibility

It is believed that the remains of the W. G. Fox were likely removed as scrap after the fire. Any remnants, such as boilers or iron framework, may exist beneath debris or sediment in the slip.

Resources & Links

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The W. G. Fox serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden-hulled vessels in the early 20th century, particularly regarding fire safety in marine operations.