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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-g-fox-1912″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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
- Name: W. G. Fox
- Built: 1912, likely at a shipyard near the Fox River system, Northern Wisconsin
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam tug
- Final Event: Destroyed by fire in a riverside slip (likely the St. Clair River near Port Huron)
- Loss Date: August 30, 1921
- Casualties: None reported—crew escaped safely
- Context: The Fox burned simultaneously with two other tugs in the same area, possibly while moored together during routine operations shortly after WW I (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Incident & Final Disposition
- The W. G. Fox was thoroughly destroyed while moored in a river slip.
- No loss of life was recorded, and her enrollment was officially forfeited after the event.
- The coincidence of three tugs burning in the same slip suggests either a catastrophic mechanical failure, an electrical malfunction, or an act of mischief—but no formal determination has been documented.
Archival & Research Gaps
To assemble a complete vessel history, the following would be useful:
- Construction Documents: Specifications, enrollment papers, and original registration likely held in the Port Huron or Detroit Customs District archives.
- Crew Roster: Names and roles of crew members aboard during the fire—potentially found in enrollment records.
- Incident Cause Analysis: Local newspapers (Port Huron Times, Sarnia Observer) from early September 1921 may contain investigative details.
- Municipal Reports: Fire department logs or harbor commission statements may detail the incident’s origin and damage assessment.
- Insurance and Ownership: Records outlining ownership structure, insurance coverage, and any potential salvage operations.
Wreck & Survey Potential
- Location: River slip, likely within Port Huron harbor or neighboring docks
- Expected Remains: Likely removed as scrap after the fire; any remnants—such as boilers or iron framework—may exist beneath slip debris or sediment
- Survey Strategy:
- Investigate harbor dredging records post-1921 to determine whether any large wreck pieces were removed or buried.
- Use magnetometer scans along the old slip floor to detect buried metal components.
- Connect with local dive clubs for any anecdotal accounts of submerged parts.
Historical Significance
- Although not as well known as larger wrecks, W. G. Fox serves as an example of post‑WW I small-tug operations and their vulnerability to fires in wooden-hull service.
- With its loss coinciding with almost identical burnings in adjacent vessels, it may reveal overlooked dangers in early-20th-century marine engineering, electrical systems, or dockside fire safety measures.
Recommended Next Steps
- Archive Inquiry: Request enrollment and vessel papers from Detroit or Port Huron Customs district (1912–1921).
- Newspaper Research: Review early September 1921 editions of local papers for incident coverage and fire origin theories.
- Harbor Records: Inspect City of Port Huron and Michigan State waterway salvage or cleanup logs from late 1921.
- Site Reconnaissance: Collaborate with local marine archaeologists to perform a targeted magnetometer survey of the suspected slip area.