Shipwreck Unknown aka Mea Tug

3D Interactive Model

Click left mouse on the model to tumble or rotate, right mouse to drag, thumb-wheel to zoom, double click to re-center.

Database Information Shipwreck Unknown aka Mea Tug

Basic Information

Name(s)  Unknown aka Mea Tug
Registry  US
Official Number  
Vessel Type Tug
Year Built
Year Sank    
Hull Material Wood
Engines Double Expansion Steam Auxiliary

Dimensions

Length  76 ft (Measured)
Width   ft
Depth   ft

Vessel History

Complete Historic Information Link – Soon to be published UASC report Luther Loomis/MEA Tug Underwater Archaeological Survey Report.

Wreck Site Information

Lake Michigan
State or Province Illinois
Depth 60 ft
GPS Coordinates 41° 47.397′  N 087° 25.418′ W
Site Description The unknown identity of this tug called Mea Tug named after Bill Mea, the finder, makes interpretation of the machinery on board difficult. The hull is splayed out with two-thirds of the starboard side and three quarters of the bottom of the ship extant on site with another smaller piece of the port side. The tug was apparently powered at one time and has a stoppered shaft hole on the stern post and a rectangular rudder with quadrant laying close by. There is a single iron tow bitt on its side near the bow. A firebox boiler with steam drum lies on its side on the flattened starboard side of the ship. The double expansion steam engine is mounted transverse to the hull with no visible means of transferring power except possibly by the flywheel. One of the pistons has been removed. The flywheel has an unusual clamp system mounted on its outward side on the shaft. There is a small belt driven governor on top of the engine. Near the engine are some steel bar structures called supports in the UASC report but could also be part of the machinery controls. The purpose of the steam engine is unknown. It is thought that the tug was repurposed for some use other than a tow vessel and was eventually scuttled in its current location. (Much of the site interpretation was referenced from a UASC preliminary report by Donald Smith.)