Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W.J. Emerson
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1900
- Builder: Goderich, Ontario
- Dimensions: approximately 66 × 13 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 28 gross / 19 net tons
- Location: Lake Superior, off Light Number 10, near Bennett Island (Shaganash Island)
- Official Number: C107133
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steam tug operating on Lake Superior.
Description
The W.J. Emerson was a wooden propeller steam tug built in 1900 at Goderich, Ontario. It measured approximately 66 feet in length and 13 feet in beam, with a registered tonnage of 28 gross and 19 net tons.
History
The vessel served on Lake Superior for over three decades before its loss in October 1933. During this time, it was involved in various towing and support operations typical for tugs of its kind.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: October 1933
- Location: Sank off Light Number 10, near Bennett Island (Shaganash Island) on Lake Superior
- Cause of Loss: Fire aboard the tug; she burned and subsequently sank
- Crew & Casualties: No fatalities reported—crew evacuated safely
Final Disposition
The W.J. Emerson is considered a total loss, with no salvage documented. There have been no confirmed physical wreck site surveys or dives for this vessel.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck site has not been located or surveyed, and its current condition remains unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-j-emerson-c-107133″ title=”References & Links”]
This vessel appears in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files under 1933 losses—a period when wooden tugs still operated in the northern reaches of Lake Superior. The fire likely started onboard, possibly in the engine room, or from fuel oil ignition. Despite the blaze, all aboard survived, indicating evacuation was successful.
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.
(built 1900; lost October 1933)
Wooden propeller steam tug operating on Lake Superior
Identification & Specifications
- Official Number: C107133
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Built: 1900 at Goderich, Ontario
- Specs: approximately 66 × 13 ft; 28 gross / 19 net tons
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date of Loss: October 1933
- Location: Sank off Light Number 10, near Bennett Island (also shown as Shaganash Island) on Lake Superior
- Cause of Loss: Fire aboard the tug; she burned and subsequently sank
- Crew & Casualties: No fatalities reported—crew evacuated safely
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Wikipedia)
Final Disposition
- Considered a total loss; no salvage is documented
- No physical wreck site surveys or dives have been confirmed for this vessel
Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | W.J. Emerson |
| Built | 1900, Goderich, Ontario |
| Official No. | C107133 |
| Type | Steel/wood propeller steam tug |
| Dimensions | ~66 × 13 ft; 28 gt / 19 nt |
| Loss Date | October 1933 |
| Loss Location | Lake Superior, off Light #10 / Shaganash Island |
| Cause of Loss | Fire sunk tug |
| Crew Casualties | None |
| Salvage Status | Burned and sank; no recovery noted |
Context & Significance
This vessel appears in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files under 1933 losses—a period when wooden tugs still operated in the northern reaches of Lake Superior. The fire likely started onboard, possibly in the engine room, or from fuel oil ignition. Despite the blaze, all aboard survived, indicating evacuation was successful.
Further Research Avenues
To deepen this profile:
- Maritime newspapers (e.g. Duluth News Tribune or Superior Telegram, late 1933) may include fire incident reports or crew testimonies.
- Canadian & U.S. shipping logs or underwriters’ archives—consider records tied to tug Official No. C107133, particularly from Goderich or Superior & Duluth insurance offices.
- Local harbor authority logs—Light #10 area service vessels, salvage operations, or Coast Guard logs may mention the incident.
- Goderich shipyard or tug company records—original construction archives or ownership logs may contain operational notes up to 1933.