Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Buddy
  • Former Name: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tug Menominee
  • Official Number: 268151
  • Date Built and Launched: 1924
  • Builder: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 50 ft (15.2 m)
    • Beam: 13 ft (4.0 m)
    • Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
  • Tonnage:
    • Gross: 24 tons
    • Net: 16 tons
  • Date Lost: May 11, 1966
  • Location of Loss: Lake Michigan, mid-lake abreast of Manistee, Michigan
  • Cause of Loss: Collision with the derrick Barge No. 53, which she was towing; capsized and sank quickly
  • Cargo: None
  • Loss of Life: None reported
  • Owner at Time of Loss: Roen Salvage Company, Wisconsin

Vessel Type

The Buddy was a steel-hulled, propeller-driven Tugboat constructed in 1924. Originally built for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and named Menominee, she was designed for towing and general utility work. In 1954, the vessel was sold to private interests and renamed Buddy. By 1966, she was owned by Roen Salvage Company of Wisconsin, a firm specializing in marine construction and salvage operations.stignace.com+1slc.ca.gov+1Great Lakes Shipwreck Files

Description

Measuring 50 feet in length with a beam of 13 feet and a depth of 6 feet, the Buddy was a compact yet robust Tugboat, well-suited for towing operations on the Great Lakes. Her steel construction provided durability, and her size allowed for maneuverability in various maritime tasks, including towing barges and assisting in salvage operations.

History

Built in 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland, the vessel served the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the name Menominee.Her primary role involved towing and support duties related to engineering projects on the Great Lakes. In 1954, she was sold to private interests and renamed Buddy. Under the ownership of Roen Salvage Company, she continued to operate on the Great Lakes, engaging in towing and salvage operations.Great Lakes Shipwreck Files

On May 11, 1966, while towing the derrick Barge No. 53 on Lake Michigan, the Buddy was struck by the very Barge she was towing. The collision caused the Tug to capsize and sink rapidly in mid-lake, abreast of Manistee, Michigan.Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported in the incident.Great Lakes Shipwreck Files

Final Disposition

The Buddy sank quickly following the collision with derrick Barge No. 53. There is no documented evidence of salvage operations or recovery of the vessel. Given the circumstances and the era, it is likely that the vessel remains on the lakebed at the site of the sinking.

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the Buddy has been located or surveyed by maritime archaeologists or divers. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the Buddy‘s wreck site. Given the lack of precise location data and the passage of time, the site does not pose a known hazard to navigation.

Resources & Links

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: Buddy

Conclusion

The sinking of the Buddy on May 11, 1966, serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with towing operations on the Great Lakes. Despite the vessel’s robust construction and experienced ownership, unforeseen incidents can lead to rapid and total losses. The Buddy‘s story contributes to the extensive Maritime History of the Great Lakes, highlighting the importance of safety and vigilance in marine operations.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: Buddy, Tugboat, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Michigan, Roen Salvage Company, derrick Barge No. 53, maritime collision, 1966 shipwreck
  • Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Tugboat Incidents, 20th Century Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms:
    • Tugboat: A small, powerful boat used to maneuver larger vessels by towing or pushing them.
    • Derrick Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel equipped with a crane (derrick) used for lifting heavy loads, often in construction or salvage operations.
    • Capsize: To overturn in the water.
    • Salvage: The act of recovering a ship and its cargo after a shipwreck or other maritime casualty.Great Lakes Shipwreck FilesWikipedia