Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

W.G. Mason

Explore the accessible wreck of the W.G. Mason, a wooden tugboat sunk in 1926, located in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: W. G. Mason
  • Type: Tug
  • Year Built: 1898
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length 84 ft (25.6 m); Beam 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold 10 ft (3 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 3.7 m / 12 ft
  • Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
  • Official Number: 81617

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The W. G. Mason was a wooden tugboat designed for towing and assisting vessels, a crucial role in the commercial shipping operations of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description

Built in 1898, the W. G. Mason was an 84 ft wooden tugboat that operated primarily in Lake Huron. Tugboats like the W. G. Mason were essential for manoeuvring larger vessels in and out of harbours and towing barges through challenging weather and waters.

The vessel sank in 1926 in shallow water near Lake Huron, Michigan. The exact circumstances of the sinking are unclear, but structural failure, severe weather, or an accident during operations could have contributed to its demise.

History

The wreck of the W. G. Mason lies in 12 ft (3.7 m) of water, making it one of the more accessible shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Significant Incidents

  • The wreckage is badly broken, but several features remain identifiable:
  • Rudder and propeller are still intact.
  • The bow is recognizable.
  • Pieces of piping and other machinery are scattered throughout the site.

The shallow depth and scattered nature of the wreck make it a popular spot for recreational divers and snorkelers interested in maritime history.

Final Disposition

The wreck is well-documented by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, an area dedicated to preserving significant shipwrecks in Lake Huron. The sanctuary promotes education and conservation while allowing for recreational exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site’s shallow depth makes it ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers. However, visitors should exercise caution to avoid disturbing the fragile wreckage. Boaters in the area should be mindful of diving activities, as the site is in relatively shallow water.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-g-mason” title=”References & Links”]

Overall, the W. G. Mason serves as a significant reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and offers a unique diving experience for those interested in exploring its remains.

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.

Identification & Site Information:

  • Name(s): W. G. Mason
  • Registry: United States
  • Official Number: 81617
  • Vessel Type: Tug
  • Year Built: 1898
  • Year Sank: 1926
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: None documented at the time of the wreck
  • Dimensions:
  • Length: 84 ft (25.6 m)
  • Width: 20 ft (6.1 m)
  • Depth: 10 ft (3 m)

Vessel Type

The W. G. Mason was a wooden tugboat designed for towing and assisting vessels, a crucial role in the commercial shipping operations of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description

Built in 1898, the W. G. Mason was an 84 ft wooden tugboat that operated primarily in Lake Huron. Tugboats like the W. G. Mason were essential for manoeuvring larger vessels in and out of harbours and towing barges through challenging weather and waters.

The vessel sank in 1926 in shallow water near Lake Huron, Michigan. The exact circumstances of the sinking are unclear, but structural failure, severe weather, or an accident during operations could have contributed to its demise.

Final Dispositions

The wreck of the W. G. Mason lies in 12 ft (3.7 m) of water, making it one of the more accessible shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

• The wreckage is badly broken, but several features remain identifiable:

• Rudder and propeller are still intact.

• The bow is recognizable.

• Pieces of piping and other machinery are scattered throughout the site.

The shallow depth and scattered nature of the wreck make it a popular spot for recreational divers and snorkelers interested in maritime history.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck is well-documented by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, an area dedicated to preserving significant shipwrecks in Lake Huron. The sanctuary promotes education and conservation while allowing for recreational exploration.

Notmars & Advisories

The site’s shallow depth makes it ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers. However, visitors should exercise caution to avoid disturbing the fragile wreckage. Boaters in the area should be mindful of diving activities, as the site is in relatively shallow water.

Resources & Links

3D Model W.G. Mason

WG Mason by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: W. G. Mason, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Wooden Tugboats

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Recreational Diving Sites

Glossary: Rudder, Propeller, Tugboat, Shallow Water Wreck, Marine Sanctuary

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