IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Dredge Gordon
• Type: Dredge
• Dimensions: Approx. 100 feet (30 meters) in length
• Final Location: Lake Ontario, near Oswego, NY
• Depth: Not disclosed
• GPS Coordinates: Not disclosed
• Date of Wreck: November 1879

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Dredge Gordon was a work vessel used for dredging, owned by the Hickler & Arnold Company. Measuring approximately 100 feet in length, it was designed to remove sediment and maintain navigation channels. In 1879, it had completed work on the Lachine Canal system in Montreal and was being transported back to Oswego, NY, for further operations.

HISTORY

The Dredge Gordon was part of a convoy of five tugboats, three dredges, and ten scows, commanded by Captain Fleming of the Tug Seymour. The fleet departed Cape Vincent, NY, intending to reach Oswego after completing canal work in Montreal. The original plan was to seek shelter in Sacketts Harbor due to worsening weather, but under instructions from Mr. Arnold, a junior partner in the Hickler & Arnold Company, the fleet redirected to Oswego.

As the fleet approached Tibbets Light, the storm intensified, and Lake Ontario’s calm waters turned into a violent tempest. The towing line connecting the Gordon to the fleet snapped, leaving the Dredge adrift and at the mercy of the storm. The accompanying tugboats, unaware of the break, continued towards Oswego. The Gordon was left vulnerable, eventually succumbing to the storm’s fury.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Dredge Gordon sank in Lake Ontario during the storm, resulting in the tragic loss of several lives:

• Richard Arnold
• Patrick Logan
• Billy Logan
• George Palmer and his wife

Despite the harrowing conditions, Tom Smith, the engineer of the Gordon, heroically saved himself and two crew members. The survivors’ account of the storm and their struggle captivated the public, shedding light on the perils faced by the Dredge crew.

The wreck of the Gordon remains undisclosed in depth and location. It is presumed to lie near Oswego, NY, and may still hold remnants of the tragedy.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck site. However, divers and maritime enthusiasts should note that the wreck’s exact location and depth have not been disclosed, and exploration should be approached with caution.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Accessibility: The site’s exact depth and GPS coordinates have not been released. Exploration would require specialized equipment and adherence to any local regulations protecting submerged cultural heritage.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The sinking of the Dredge Gordon highlights the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. The disaster brought attention to decision-making during adverse weather conditions and sparked investigations into potential negligence by fleet commanders. The heroic actions of Tom Smith and the tragic loss of lives remain etched in maritime lore, symbolizing both human resilience and vulnerability on the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• NOAA Wrecks Database: Potential updates on submerged wrecks in Lake Ontario.
• Shipwreck Stories – Located the Dredge Gordon in 2012
• Great Lakes Historical Society: For archives and potential legal records on the disaster.
• www.sonarguy.com: Modelled the Dredge Gordon

3D Model by www.sonarguy.com

Dredge Gordon. by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The Dredge Gordon is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by maritime workers and the harsh realities of 19th-century navigation on the Great Lakes. While the wreck’s location remains a mystery, its story continues to resonate, emphasizing the need for caution, planning, and respect for the power of nature. Efforts to locate and document the wreck could uncover further details about this historic tragedy.

KEYWORDS

Dredge Gordon, Lake Ontario, Oswego NY, 19th-century shipwreck, storm sinking, Great Lakes maritime history, Hickler & Arnold, Tug Seymour.