Identification & Site Information

  • Original Name: SUMPTER
  • Renamed: Barbara Lyn
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Year Built: 1958
  • Builder: Bryant Boats Inc., Bayou La Batre, Alabama
  • Length: Not specified
  • Final Location: Lake Huron, off Port Austin, Michigan
  • Depth of Wreck: Initially at 208 feet, now rests at 20 feet

Vessel Type Description

The Barbara Lyn, originally named Sumpter, was a Tugboat designed for towing and assisting marine vessels, primarily for industrial and construction-related purposes. The Tugboat featured robust construction suitable for handling heavy towing operations across inland waterways and open lakes.

History

The Barbara Lyn began its life in 1958 as Sumpter, built by Bryant Boats Inc. in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Initially owned by U.S. Leasing of Mobile, the vessel underwent several ownership changes during its active service:

  • 1961: Acquired by Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Sales, Mobile, Alabama.
  • 1968: Purchased by R.K. Davis Transportation Inc., Newport News, Virginia.
  • 1972: Transferred to C & P Towing Company, Norfolk, Virginia.
  • Late 1980s: Acquired by Ryba Marine Construction, Cheboygan, Michigan, and renamed Barbara Lyn.

Incident & Final Voyage

On October 1, 1990, while towing two construction barges bound for Alpena, Michigan, the Barbara Lyn encountered severe weather in Lake Huron. Battling 12-foot seas, the Tugboat capsized and sank. Tragically, one crew member lost their life during the incident.

Initially, the wreck rested at a depth of 208 feet in Lake Huron. In 2014, a salvage operation successfully raised the Barbara Lyn to the surface. However, bad weather during the process led to the Tug being grounded near Port Austin, Michigan. A subsequent storm caused further damage, including the destruction of the pilothouse, and the vessel resank in shallower waters, where it now lies at a depth of 20 feet.

Final Disposition

The Barbara Lyn currently rests in 20 feet of water off Port Austin, Michigan, making it an accessible site for exploration and diving. The wreck remains partially intact but shows signs of damage from the storm that destroyed its pilothouse.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Barbara Lyn. However, caution is advised when navigating near Port Austin due to the shallow resting depth of the wreck.

Located By & Date

  • Initial Location: The Tug was found in 208 feet of water in Lake Huron after its sinking in 1990.
  • Rediscovery & Salvage: Salvaged in 2014 and later resank near Port Austin.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Barbara Lyn lies in 20 feet of water, making it accessible for recreational diving. The site provides a fascinating look at a modern Tugboat wreck but may pose challenges due to potential structural instability caused by the storms.

Resources & Links

  • Great Lakes Tugs: Website
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
  • YouTube 360 Video: Search for Barbara Lyn Tugboat Wreck
  • Huron Daily Times: Coverage of the salvage and subsequent sinking.
  • Barbara Lyn Photo Gallery: Visuals of the wreck site and salvage operations.

Keywords

Barbara Lyn, Sumpter, Tugboat, Lake Huron, Port Austin Shipwreck, Ryba Marine Construction, Great Lakes Tugs, Modern Shipwreck, Salvage Operations, 1990 Maritime Incident.

Conclusion

The story of the Barbara Lyn, formerly the Sumpter, is one of resilience, loss, and eventual rediscovery. From its construction in Alabama to its sinking in the stormy waters of Lake Huron, the vessel’s history reflects the unpredictable and often perilous nature of maritime operations. Today, its resting place near Port Austin offers a window into the challenges faced by modern tugboats and a unique dive site for enthusiasts exploring the Great Lakes.