Identification & Site Information
• Vessel Name: ACME (originally MUSIC).
• Vessel Type: Tugboat.
• Dimensions: Length of 125 feet (38.1 meters).
• Depth of Wreck: 225 feet (68.6 meters).
• Location: Lake Huron, approximately 25 miles from Black River, Michigan.
• Gross Tonnage: 320.46 tons.
• Net Tonnage: 234.06 tons.
• Construction: Wooden Hull.
• Date Built: 1874.
• Built By: Builder unknown.
• Registry: Enrolled at Detroit, Michigan.
• Final Owner: Michigan Log Towing Company, Saginaw, Michigan.
• Date of Sinking: October 14, 1893.
• Casualties: None; all crew members were rescued.
• Coordinates (GPS): N42.844967, W78.96395.
Vessel Type
The ACME, originally named MUSIC, was a wooden-hulled Tugboat built to tow large log rafts and other freight across the Great Lakes. Its robust design reflected the demanding work of towing in the harsh environments of Lake Huron.
Description
Built in 1874, the ACME was a durable and versatile vessel. Its 125-foot wooden Hull and significant Gross Tonnage made it suitable for heavy-duty towing, particularly in support of Michigan’s logging industry. The Michigan Log Towing Company of Saginaw operated the vessel as part of its fleet, emphasizing its role in transporting timber across Lake Huron.
History
The ACME served as a critical link in Michigan’s logging operations, towing massive log rafts across Lake Huron to processing facilities. By 1893, the vessel had accumulated nearly two decades of service. On October 14, 1893, the ACME encountered severe weather on Lake Huron. Despite the storm’s intensity, all crew members were successfully rescued, and there were no casualties.
Final Disposition
The ACME sank to its final resting place in Lake Huron at a depth of 225 feet. While its exact circumstances are not widely detailed, its loss reflects the challenges of maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
Notable Features of the Wreck
• The wreck is located in deep water, making it a site for advanced technical divers.
• Structural remnants, including the wooden Hull, offer insights into Tugboat construction of the era.
Diving Considerations
• Depth: The wreck’s depth of 225 feet requires advanced diving certifications and appropriate technical diving equipment.
• Visibility and Conditions: Variable Visibility and potential currents in Lake Huron necessitate careful preparation and the use of experienced guides.
Legacy
The ACME’s story is emblematic of the hard-working tugboats that supported the booming logging industry on the Great Lakes. Its survival tale, with all crew rescued despite the loss of the vessel, underscores the resilience and bravery of maritime workers during that era.
Conclusion
The ACME is a significant piece of Great Lakes history, illustrating the vital role of tugboats in the region’s industrial development. Its wreck, preserved in the depths of Lake Huron, remains a testament to the challenges of maritime commerce in the 19th century.