IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
- Type: Propeller Tug (Towboat)
- Length: 45 ft (13.72 m)
- Beam: 11 ft (3.35 m)
- Depth: 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 14
- Net Tonnage: 7
- Construction: Wooden Hull
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: George Notter, Buffalo, New York
- Official Number: 90593
- Location of Wreck: Pte Aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Date of Wreck: October 5, 1899
- Deaths: None reported
- Type: Propeller Tug (Towboat)
- Owners:
- Location of Wreck: Pte Aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Depth of Wreck: Not documented
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The MAGGIE ASHTON was a propeller Tug, also known as a Towboat, a type of small, powerful vessel designed for towing barges, assisting ships in navigation, and performing other workboat functions. Its wooden Hull construction was typical for vessels of its time, offering versatility and affordability for its owners.
HISTORY:
The MAGGIE ASHTON was built in 1871 by George Notter in Buffalo, New York. It served a variety of purposes under different owners over nearly three decades. In 1873, it was owned by the Dredge Company in Buffalo, before transferring ownership to Seymour et al in Oswego in 1876. By 1899, the vessel was under the ownership of M. C. Hubbell.
Incident:
On October 5, 1899, during a storm on Lake Huron, the MAGGIE ASHTON went aground on rocks near Pte Aux Barques, Michigan. The vessel was wrecked, but fortunately, there were no reported casualties. The incident marked the end of the Tug’s service life.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
- Date of Loss: October 5, 1899
- Cause of Loss: Ran aground and wrecked during a storm
- Condition: Total Loss; vessel destroyed on rocks
- Casualties: None reported
NOTICES TO MARINERS (NOTMARs):
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist regarding the wreck site of the MAGGIE ASHTON. The site is presumed lost to time and unlocated.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY:
The wreck site of the MAGGIE ASHTON has not been identified or surveyed. Given the wooden construction and the passage of time, any remaining wreckage is likely in a state of significant deterioration. The exact location of the wreck remains unconfirmed.
RESOURCES & LINKS: