Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

Wooden Propeller Tug (used for fishing)

Description

The ANSPACH was a small, wooden-hulled propeller Tug designed for fishing operations on Lake Michigan. Built in 1879 in Detroit by either Cooper or Bougy & Seymour, the vessel was modest in size, making it well-suited for nearshore and commercial fishing activities. Operating out of Chicago, the ANSPACH was equipped with fishing gear and served the growing demand for freshwater fish in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

The ANSPACH spent nearly three decades operating on Lake Michigan, primarily out of Chicago, a major hub for commercial fishing during this period. Small fishing tugs like the ANSPACH were integral to the industry, providing the maneuverability and durability needed to handle the often unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.

On February 18, 1908, the ANSPACH Foundered off the coast of Waukegan, Illinois. While specific details surrounding the vessel’s sinking are not documented, foundering typically results from factors such as sudden storms, Hull breaches, or overloading. Given the vessel’s small size and the harsh winter conditions common on Lake Michigan in February, it is possible that icy waters or rough weather played a role.

Tragically, two of the six crew members aboard the ANSPACH were lost in the incident. The remaining four crew members likely managed to escape, though no further details about their rescue or the exact sequence of events are available in historical records.

Final Disposition

Foundered off Waukegan, Illinois, on February 18, 1908. Two crew members were lost, and the vessel was not recovered.

Located By & Date Found

Nil—no confirmed reports of the wreck’s recovery or current location.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the ANSPACH wreck site off Waukegan, Illinois.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The sinking of the ANSPACH highlights the perils faced by small fishing vessels on Lake Michigan during the early 20th century. Operating in harsh winter conditions, the vessel’s crew encountered circumstances that led to the Tug’s foundering and the loss of two lives. While the specific cause of the sinking remains undocumented, the incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in the Great Lakes fishing industry. The ANSPACH’s story is one of many that reflect the risks taken by mariners in pursuit of their livelihoods on these unpredictable waters.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: ANSPACH Tugboat, Waukegan Illinois shipwreck, Lake Michigan fishing vessel loss, Great Lakes fishing Tug, Chicago fishing history
  • Categories: Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Fishing Vessel Losses, Propeller Tugs of the Great Lakes, Foundered Vessels, Early 20th Century Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms:
  • Foundered: A maritime term indicating that a vessel has taken on water and sunk, often due to structural failure, weather conditions, or overloading.
  • Propeller Tug: A small, powerful boat driven by a screw propeller, commonly used for towing or specialized operations such as fishing.
  • Waukegan, Illinois: A port city on the western shore of Lake Michigan, historically significant for its maritime and fishing activities.