SHIPWRECK REPORT – HEATHER LEE

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: Heather Lee
  • Type: Tug
  • Rig: Single Screw (presumed)
  • Built: [TBD]
  • Official Number: [TBD]
  • Registry: [TBD]
  • Location: Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: Latitude 41° 56′ N, Longitude 82° 8′ W
  • Waterbody: Lake Erie, Canadian Waters
  • Builder: [Unknown]
  • Hull Material: Steel
  • Length: [TBD]
  • Beam: [TBD]
  • Draft: [TBD]
  • Original Owner: [TBD]
  • Subsequent Owners: [TBD]
  • Modifications: [None known]
  • Propulsion: Steam/Diesel (TBD)
  • Engine Type: [Unknown]
  • horsepower: [Unknown]
  • Date of Loss: December 1920 (reported)
  • Cause: Fire
  • Final Location: Off Pelee Passage (approximate), Lake Erie
  • Depth: Unknown
  • Casualties: [Unknown]

HISTORY

The Heather Lee was a small Tug operating on Lake Erie during the early 20th century. In December 1920, the vessel caught fire and was lost near the coordinates 41° 56′ N, 82° 8′ W—placing her southeast of Pelee Island and within Canadian waters. Historical records regarding the vessel’s build, ownership, and service history remain sparse, but her loss contributes to the broader catalog of working vessels claimed by the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of Lake Erie.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

  • Wreck Status: Unconfirmed
  • Diving Suitability: Unknown; potential research target
  • Visibility/Conditions: [Unknown]

LEGACY & SIGNIFICANCE

Though relatively obscure, the Heather Lee‘s fiery loss reflects the hazards faced by early Tug crews operating year-round on the Great Lakes. Her story may be a candidate for further research and potential discovery by underwater archaeologists and dive teams.

REFERENCES & LINKS

KEYWORDS

HeatherLee #TugboatWreck #LakeErie #ShipFire #GreatLakesMaritime #ShotlineDiving #1920Wrecks #MaritimeHistory