John Evenson (1884)

3D Model

Final Voyage

“Returning to Sturgeon Bay from Manitowoc after having the John Evenson’s fire-box repaired, Captain John M. Laurie decided to wait off the canal for a vessel in need of a tow. Late in the afternoon of June 5, 1895 the steambarge I.W.Stephenson, with two barges in tow, signalled for assistance in getting through the Sturgeon Bay canal. The Evenson responded and while attempting to get a line attached got too close and was struck in the stern by the Stephenson’s bow. The vessel was moving around 10 MPH and the force of the collision turned the Evenson sideways. The bow of the Stephenson again struck the Evenson and rolled her over sideways causing her to fill and sink almost immediately. All but one of the five crew escaped from the foundered craft and were picked up by the the boats lowered from the Stephenson’s two barges, the Peshtigo and the Alert. Martin Boswell who was asleep at the time, went down with the tug.” Door County Shipwrecks.