Identification & Site Information:

  • Name: Annie Laura (also referred to as Annie Laurie)
  • Type: Steam Screw Vessel (converted to Sandsucker in 1913)
  • Built: 1871 by J. Rice in Marine City, Michigan
  • Official Number: U.S. No. 105106
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 133 feet (40.5 meters)
    • Width (Beam): 25 feet (7.6 meters)
    • Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 244 tons
    • Net Tonnage: 189 tons
  • Engine Power: 141 horsepower
  • Home Port: Chicago, Illinois

Vessel Type Description:

The Annie Laura was a wooden Steam Screw Vessel that served various roles throughout its lifetime. Originally built for general cargo and passenger services, it was later converted in 1913 into a sandsucker, a vessel specifically designed for dredging sand from bodies of water. These transformations reflect the vessel’s adaptability to the economic demands of the Great Lakes maritime industry.

History:

Early Service and Incidents:

Collision with Lem Higby:

The Annie Laura collided with the small Schooner Lem Higby near the Rush Street Bridge in Chicago during an earlier phase of its career. The Schooner began to leak, but the Tug Babcock, which was towing the Schooner, managed to dock it at McCormick’s factory before it sank.

Repairs and Alterations:

  • 1881: Underwent major repairs, ensuring its continued operation.
  • 1913: Converted into a sandsucker, enabling it to participate in dredging operations critical to maintaining waterways and supporting construction projects.

Final Incident and Loss:

On August 10, 1922, the Annie Laura caught fire near the St. Clair Flats on Lake St. Clair. The fire consumed the vessel, and it was beached near Algonac, Michigan, where it burned down to the waterline. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

Due to the hazardous nature of the partially submerged wreck, it was removed in November 1922 to ensure navigational safety in the area.

Final Disposition:

The Annie Laura was destroyed by fire on August 10, 1922, near the St. Clair Flats. Its remains were removed later that year to eliminate the hazard to navigation.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate to the Annie Laura. The wreck has been removed and does not pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date:

The wreck site was promptly addressed after the incident in 1922. The vessel’s remains were removed by November of the same year.

Resources & Links:

Conclusion:

The Annie Laura exemplifies the evolution of maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, adapting to new roles such as sandsucking over its five-decade career. Despite its versatility and resilience, the vessel ultimately succumbed to fire near Lake St. Clair, marking the end of its operational life. The collision with the Lem Higby and its Conversion into a sandsucker add depth to its history, showcasing the dynamic and often perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping. Today, the Annie Laura is remembered as part of the region’s rich maritime legacy.

Keywords: Annie Laura Annie Laurie Sandsucker Lake St. Clair Shipwreck St. Clair Flats Wooden Propeller Vessel Great Lakes Maritime History

Glossary:

  • Sandsucker: A vessel designed to Dredge sand from waterways, often used for construction and navigational maintenance.
  • St. Clair Flats: A marshy area on Lake St. Clair, near the mouth of the St. Clair River, known for its navigational challenges.
  • Beaching: The act of intentionally grounding a vessel to prevent it from sinking in deeper water.