Vessel Type

The Tuscarora was a wooden-hulled, steam-powered fish Tug, a type of vessel commonly used in the early 20th century for commercial fishing operations on the Great Lakes. These tugs were designed to tow fishing nets and transport catches to shore, often operating in challenging weather conditions.

Description(travelraval.com)

Specific details regarding the Tuscarora‘s construction, dimensions, and tonnage are not documented in the available records. However, as a fish Tug built in 1906, she would have been equipped with a steam engine and designed for durability and functionality in the demanding environment of Lake Michigan’s commercial fishing industry.

History(PxHere)

On December 26, 1933, the Tuscarora departed South Haven, Michigan, to retrieve fishing nets despite a moderate blow. As conditions rapidly deteriorated into a powerful storm and blizzard, the crew attempted to return to shore. Approximately 20 miles south of South Haven, the vessel was overwhelmed by the storm. The three crew members managed to swim ashore through icy breakers and were subsequently taken to Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Tuscarora was declared a Total Loss.(Uplink)

Final Disposition(Wikipedia)

Following the incident, the Tuscarora was deemed a Total Loss. There are no records indicating successful salvage operations or recovery of significant portions of the vessel. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented, and it is presumed that the remains of the Tuscarora have not been located or surveyed in modern times.

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Tuscarora has been located or surveyed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Tuscarora. Mariners operating in Lake Michigan should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The loss of the Tuscarora highlights the perils faced by commercial fishing vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly during the harsh winter months. Despite the crew’s survival, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of lake weather and the risks inherent in early 20th-century maritime industries.

Suggested Keywords & Categories(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Keywords: Tuscarora, fish Tug, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 1933 storm, South Haven, Great Lakes maritime history

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime History, 20th-Century Fishing Vessels, Maritime Disasters

Glossary Terms:

  • Fish Tug: A type of vessel used primarily for commercial fishing, equipped to tow nets and transport catches.
  • Blizzard: A severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds and low Visibility.
  • Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel is damaged beyond repair or recovery.
  • South Haven, Michigan: A port city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, known for its maritime activities.
  • Benton Harbor, Michigan: A city located near South Haven, where the Tuscarora‘s crew found refuge after the incident.

Shore Dive Information(USCG History)

Given that the Tuscarora‘s wreck has not been located and is presumed to be in an unknown offshore location, there is no shore dive information available for this site.