Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Walter R. Pringle
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Cleveland Dry Dock Co., Cleveland, OH
- Dimensions: 98 × 30 × 10 ft; 251 gross tons, 167 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 251 gross tons, 167 net tons
- Location: Stag Island, St. Clair River
- Official Number: 116357
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Identity & Background
- Official Number: 116357
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Built: 1890 by Cleveland Dry Dock Co., Cleveland, OH (launched as Superior, renamed Walter R. Pringle in 1917 following conversion from ferry to tug)
- Specifications: 98 × 30 × 10 ft; 251 gross tons, 167 net tons
Description
Description
The Walter R. Pringle was a wooden steam tug originally built as a ferry and later converted for tug service. It was known for its sturdy construction and operational capabilities on the Great Lakes.
History
History
The vessel was launched in 1890 and underwent a significant conversion in 1917, changing its name from Superior to Walter R. Pringle. It served in various capacities until its loss in 1922.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- May 6, 1922: Caught fire while underway on the St. Clair River.
- Intentionally beached on Stag Island to prevent sinking.
- Burned completely to the waterline, losing superstructure and machinery.
- No recorded casualties, presumed none.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Walter R. Pringle was beached on Stag Island after the fire, where it burned to the waterline. The vessel was lost, and no recovery efforts were documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and there may be opportunities for dive surveys to assess any remaining structure or artifacts at the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”walter-r-pringle-us-116357″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Walter R. Pringle (Official No. 116357) was a converted wooden steam tug built in 1890 and renamed in 1917. On May 6, 1922, she caught fire on the St. Clair River. The crew beached her on Stag Island where she burned to the waterline, avoiding a dangerous sinking mid-channel. No human casualties are recorded.
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.
Vessel Identity & Background
- Official Number: 116357
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Built: 1890 by Cleveland Dry Dock Co., Cleveland, OH (launched as Superior, renamed Walter R. Pringle in 1917 following conversion from ferry to tug)
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files) - Specifications: 98 × 30 × 10 ft; 251 gross tons, 167 net tons ·
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Incident — May 6, 1922
- Event: Suffered a sudden fire while underway on the St. Clair River
- Location: Beached intentionally on Stag Island to avoid sinking mid-channel
- Outcome: Vessel burned completely to the waterline, losing her superstructure and machinery
- Casualties: Unspecified but presumed none, as no loss of life is recorded
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Rescue & Response
- Crew likely evacuated before beaching, with no nearby rescue vessel mentions—typical for planned beaching in emergencies
- No mention of casualties implies safe crew evacuation
Archival Records
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files records confirm: “After she caught fire while underway, she was beached on Stag Island, where she burned to the waterline.”
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files) - Registry and marine incident logs (e.g., U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service) may hold detailed fire reports, vessel condition pre- and post-fire.
Research Gaps & Opportunities
| Area | Purpose | Source/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Crew and casualty confirmation | Validate evacuation and absence of injury/death | U.S./Canadian crew regulations; insurance claims |
| Detailed fire cause report | Determine whether fire was accidental, boiler/fuel-related, or arson | U.S. Inspection Service investigations |
| Insurance/fleet logs | To confirm losses, salvage attempts, claims | Parker & Littlefield archives; marine insurers |
| Modern wreck site status | Check for charred remains at Stag Island | St. Clair River dive surveys or maritime archaeology reports |
| Local newspaper archives | Shed light on fire event, eyewitnesses at Stag Island | Port Huron Times Herald, Windsor Star (May 1922 editions) |
Summary
The Walter R. Pringle (Official No. 116357) was a converted wooden steam tug built in 1890 and renamed in 1917. On May 6, 1922, she caught fire on the St. Clair River. The crew beached her on Stag Island where she burned to the waterline, avoiding a dangerous sinking mid-channel. No human casualties are recorded.
Recommended Next Steps
- Search May 1922 issues of the Port Huron Times Herald or Windsor Star for eyewitness accounts or official reports?
- Access U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service or insurance files regarding the fire cause and vessel destruction?
- Inquire into St. Clair River maritime archaeology data for any salvage or dives on the wreck site?