Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Names:
- Type: Tugboats
- Location: Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Scattered throughout the harbour, specific wreck locations vary.
- Depth: Approximately 20 feet (7 meters).
Vessel Type Description
These vessels were wooden fishing tugs and workboats integral to the local fishing and maritime industries in Tobermory, Lake Huron. Each played a critical role in transportation, harbor services, and fishing operations. Their robust construction and small size made them ideal for the region’s needs, but their fates reflect the challenges faced by early 20th-century maritime operations.
History
- John & Alice
- Bob Foote
- Service: Early 20th-century workboat with limited historical details.
- Fate: Burned and sank in 1905, becoming one of the earlier wrecks in the harbor.
- Robert K
- Build Year & Location: Port Dover, Ontario.
- Service: A reliable workhorse for regional operations.
- Fate: Burned and sank on June 23, 1935.
- Alice G
- Length: 67 feet.
- Service: Functioned as a Tugboat for various local tasks.
- Fate: Ran aground and sank in November 1927.
- Significance: Unlike the other wrecks, the Alice G is intact and serves as a key diving attraction in Little Tub Harbour.
Final Disposition
John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K: Broken up and scattered near the wooden access Deck in front of the Grandview Inn, forming debris fields.
Alice G: Lies intact and buoyed to the right of the access Deck, offering a structured dive site.
Located By & Date
The wrecks are part of Little Tub Harbour’s known underwater sites, frequently explored by local divers and historians. No specific rediscovery dates are recorded, but they are well-documented and visited regularly.
NOTMARs & Advisories
John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K: Scattered and broken-up wreckage; divers must navigate carefully due to poor Visibility and debris.
Alice G: Intact and marked by a buoy. While structurally more preserved, caution is advised due to the fragility of aged wood.
Current Condition & Accessibility
John & Alice, Bob Foote, Robert K: Broken, fragmented remains accessible to beginner divers, though Visibility and debris may pose minor challenges.
Alice G: The most intact wreck, providing a rewarding dive for history enthusiasts and offering insights into early 20th-century Tug construction. Its location is well-marked for ease of access.
Resources & Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Swayze Archive
- Labbie Collection: Great Lakes Ships Database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Database
- Parks Canada: Map and Location
Conclusion
The Tugboat wrecks in Little Tub Harbour offer a fascinating glimpse into Tobermory’s maritime heritage. While the John & Alice, Bob Foote, and Robert K are scattered and heavily deteriorated, they highlight the pivotal roles these vessels played in the region’s fishing and transport industries. The Alice G, standing out as the most intact and accessible wreck, serves as a historical monument and a premier dive site for Lake Huron enthusiasts.
Keywords
#Tugboats #LittleTubHarbour #LakeHuronShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #AliceG #JohnAndAlice #BobFoote #RobertK #GreatLakesShipwrecks #TobermoryDiving
https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/activ/plong-dive/activ2a