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The Tug Barbara Lyn: A Tale of History and Salvage
The History of the Barbara Lyn
The Barbara Lyn, originally built in 1958 in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, began her life as the Sumter1. Over the years, she changed hands multiple times, serving various owners under different names. In 1989, she was acquired by the Ryba Marine Construction Company of Cheboygan, Michigan, and renamed the Barbara Lyn. This 52-foot tugboat, rated at 450 horsepower, was a single-screw vessel designed for towing.
In October 1990, the Barbara Lyn met her tragic end. While towing two construction barges to Alpena, Michigan, she capsized and sank 12 miles north of Huron City during a storm. The incident resulted in the loss of one crew member. The tugboat initially sank to a depth of about 200 feet.
The Salvage Attempt
Following the sinking, a salvage attempt was made to recover the Barbara Lyn. Salvagers managed to raise the tug from the deep waters, but another storm struck during the operation. The storm forced the salvagers to beach the tug in 20 feet of water just off Turnip Rock, near Port Austin. Unfortunately, the subsequent storm destroyed the pilot house and further damaged the vessel. Today, the Barbara Lyn rests in 20 feet of water, within visual distance of Turnip Rock.
Diving the Barbara Lyn
Diving on the Barbara Lyn offers a unique experience for divers. The wreck is relatively shallow, making it accessible to a wide range of divers. The site provides an opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history and witness the effects of the salvage attempt and subsequent storms on the vessel. The wreck’s location near Turnip Rock and the Port Austin Lighthouse adds to the allure of the dive, offering picturesque surroundings both above and below the water.
In summary, the Barbara Lyn’s story is one of resilience and tragedy. From her construction in Alabama to her final resting place in Lake Huron, the tugboat’s history and the efforts to salvage her remain a testament to the challenges and unpredictability of maritime operations.
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| Photogrammetry model of the Barbara Lyn as it sits on the bottom of Lake Huron. |
