Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Zouave US 28021

Explore the history of the Zouave, a powerful steam tug that sank twice in the Great Lakes, and learn about its legacy in maritime navigation.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Zouave
  • Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
  • Year Built: 1861
  • Builder: B.B. Jones, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Dimensions: Length: 97 ft (29.6 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.4 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 117 tons
  • Location: Sombra, Ontario, St. Clair River
  • Official Number: 28021

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Zouave was a wooden propeller steam tug, designed for towing and salvage operations on the Great Lakes and St. Clair River.

Description

The Zouave was built in 1861 and was known for its powerful steam engine. It played a significant role in maritime operations, assisting various vessels in towing and salvage tasks.

History

The Zouave had a notable operational history, including a significant wreck in 1862 due to a boiler explosion, which resulted in four fatalities. After being raised and rebuilt, it continued to serve until its final loss in 1877.

Significant Incidents

  • 1862: Wrecked and sunk by a boiler explosion near the outlet of Lake St. Clair, resulting in four fatalities.
  • 1862 (Weeks Later): Raised and totally rebuilt, enlarging her structure.
  • 1868: Engine replaced, making her one of the most powerful tugs in the region.
  • 1870: Major repairs to maintain her service capabilities.
  • May 10, 1877: Collided with the ferry David Scoville while laid up, leading to her sinking.

Final Disposition

After the collision in 1877, the Zouave was abandoned for several years. In May 1881, salvage captain P. Williams purchased the wreck and towed it to Windsor, Ontario, to remove and sell her machinery. Her official documentation was surrendered on November 30, 1881, marking the end of her service life.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As the Zouave was salvaged in 1881, most of the hull was likely destroyed or left to deteriorate. Some remnants of the hull or fittings could still exist on the riverbed near her original sinking location. No known modern surveys or diving expeditions have identified remains of the Zouave, and the high-current conditions of the St. Clair River make long-term preservation of wooden wreckage unlikely.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Zouave (1861–1877) serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in Great Lakes navigation and the evolution of tugboat technology. Its legacy continues to be of interest to maritime historians and divers alike.