The Wreck Today: During World War II, starting in April 1945, the War Department bombed the island to test stadiametric aircraft gunsights. Targets included not only the island, but also the tug Custodian, a cabin cruiser, and the lighthouse. Although the island has not been used for military purposes since 1951, there may still be ordinance in the area, which should be considered unstable and explosive. It has also been reported that fuel tanks, jettisoned by dive bombers, have been found on the island.
The rocky outcrop on the southeast side of West Sister extends quite a way out. It is wise to approach from the north. The remains of the tug are only about 50 feet off the rocky cliff, and they have the potential to be a propeller bender since there is only five feet or less clearance over the wreck.
For a shallow water site, there is quite a bit left of this wreck. Among the debris, lying flat on the rock bottom, is a large rudder with brass straps. Part of the cabin cruiser’s engine also rests nearby.
The rocky outcrop on the southeast side of West Sister extends quite a way out. It is wise to approach from the north. The remains of the tug are only about 50 feet off the rocky cliff, and they have the potential to be a propeller bender since there is only five feet or less clearance over the wreck.
For a shallow water site, there is quite a bit left of this wreck. Among the debris, lying flat on the rock bottom, is a large rudder with brass straps. Part of the cabin cruiser’s engine also rests nearby.
Location: east side of West Sister Island, tucked in on the north side of the sand spit
Coordinates: GPS: 41 44. 263 83 06.149
Official #: 218783
Lies: scattered Depth: 12 feet
Type: wooden tug Cargo: not applicable
Power: steam propeller with two boilers and triple expansion 18”, 28”, 45” cylinders with a 30 inch stroke.
Owner(s) Pringle Barge Line, Cleveland, Ohio
Built: 1919 for the U.S. Navy by M.M. Davis & Sons at Solomons Island, Maryland
Dimensions: 126’ x 29.9’ x 13.7’ Tonnage: 359 gross 199 net
Date of Loss: Tuesday, June 23, 1925
Cause of Loss: burned
Coordinates: GPS: 41 44. 263 83 06.149
Official #: 218783
Lies: scattered Depth: 12 feet
Type: wooden tug Cargo: not applicable
Power: steam propeller with two boilers and triple expansion 18”, 28”, 45” cylinders with a 30 inch stroke.
Owner(s) Pringle Barge Line, Cleveland, Ohio
Built: 1919 for the U.S. Navy by M.M. Davis & Sons at Solomons Island, Maryland
Dimensions: 126’ x 29.9’ x 13.7’ Tonnage: 359 gross 199 net
Date of Loss: Tuesday, June 23, 1925
Cause of Loss: burned
Custodian
Additional information on the Custodian is on page 144 of Erie Wrecks & Lights.
Private Collection of Ralph Roberts
