Wood Propeller Fish Tug

Final Incident – 20 December 1916, off Leland, Michigan

Fire and Loss Details

Wreck & Aftermath

  • Disposition: Destroyed by fire; sank or burned in place and was not recovered
  • Location Status: No contemporary salvage or removal—remains likely sank and were not charted or marked

Historical Context

  • The Leland illustrates the vulnerability of small wooden vessels engaged in seasonal charter duties and working with primitive onboard systems (e.g., ghastly fire risk during engine maintenance)
  • The large number aboard (17 lumbermen) highlights common practice—many small boats ferried work crews to isolated logging camps—creating high personnel risk when mechanical issues arose offshore

Research & Documentation Opportunities

  • Local Newspapers (Dec–Jan 1916/17)
    • Check Leland Enterprise, Traverse City Record‑Eagle, or Northport News for incident accounts and rescue narratives.
  • Life-Saving Service / U.S. Coast Guard Reports
    • Rescue efforts likely logged by officials based in Leland or Northport during winter 1916.
  • Fishery Association Logs
    • Local fishing cooperatives or charter associations may have recorded the vessel loss and affected crew.

Summary

The wooden propeller Tug Leland, built in 1906, was destroyed by fire on 20 December 1916 while chartered to Ferry lumbermen to South Manitou Island. Although the vessel was lost offshore, all 17 people aboard survived, with no casualties. The wreck remains unmarked and undocumented but stands as a testament to small‑boat risk during Great Lakes industrial operations.