Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Frank C. Barnes (previously J.C. Osgood)

•Type: Wooden Tugboat

•Year Built: 1868 (as J.C. Osgood); reconstructed as Frank C. Barnes in 1892

•Builder: Original build by Nelson Thorsen in Manistee, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 66.7 feet (20.3 meters)

•Beam: 16.3 feet (5.0 meters)

•Depth: 7.2 feet (2.2 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 46 tons

•Final Location: Lake Ontario, three miles southeast of Gull Pond, near Oswego, New York

•Depth: Missing (exact location not determined)

•Date of Loss: November 2, 1915

Vessel Type Description

The Frank C. Barnes was a small but durable wooden Tugboat, primarily designed for towing and assisting larger vessels. Initially built as the J.C. Osgood in 1868, the Tug underwent significant reconstruction in 1892, becoming the Frank C. Barnes. With a single Deck and modest dimensions, it was a typical example of the utility tugboats that played a critical role in navigating and towing vessels through the Great Lakes’ challenging waters.

History

Early Years and Reconstruction

The Tugboat was first constructed in 1868 as the J.C. Osgood, operating in the bustling waters of the Great Lakes. In 1892, the vessel was Rebuilt, gaining the new name Frank C. Barnes and a new lease on life. Its primary function remained as a Tug, assisting other vessels in transport and navigation, often under harsh conditions.

The Frank C. Barnes changed ownership several times, serving under both U.S. and Canadian registrations. Its U.S. official number was 120894, while in Canada, it operated under 116386 starting in 1906. The Tug was employed by various companies, including the Canada Steamship Lines, which acquired it shortly before its final voyage.

Final Voyage and Tragic End

On November 1, 1915, the Frank C. Barnes departed Port Dalhousie, Ontario, bound for Montreal via the St. Lawrence River. Heavy storms rolled across Lake Ontario during the journey, and the vessel failed to arrive at its destination.

Speculation arose that the Frank C. Barnes was unseaworthy when it departed Toronto. Reports indicated the Tug had not been inspected for two years and was suspected to be in a leaky condition. On November 2, the Tug was last seen three miles southeast of Gull Pond. The vessel and its crew of five were lost without a distress signal being received.

Discovery of Debris and Bodies

The wreckage of the pilothouse was found offshore near Oswego, New York. The body of Captain Herbert LaRush, hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, was discovered 30 miles from the Niagara River’s mouth. Despite investigations, the exact cause of the sinking remains undetermined.

The Buffalo Daily Courier reported on July 7, 1916, that Dominion Wreck Commissioner Demers had conducted hearings in Toronto regarding the Tug’s loss, focusing on its suspected leaky condition.

Final Disposition

The Frank C. Barnes remains missing, with the main wreckage never definitively located. The vessel likely lies at an unknown depth in Lake Ontario, southeast of Gull Pond. The only recovered artifacts from the wreck include parts of the pilothouse and the body of Captain LaRush.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Frank C. Barnes wreck site. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when operating near Gull Pond and Oswego, as the area has been historically associated with wreck sites.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Historical context and vessel records.

•Great Lakes Ships Website: Registry and operational history of vessels like the Frank C. Barnes.

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing: Archival details on Great Lakes maritime history.

•Buffalo Daily Courier (July 7, 1916): Reports on the loss and investigation into the vessel’s condition.

Conclusion

The Frank C. Barnes, a Rebuilt Tug with a long service history, represents a tragic chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. Its loss during a fierce November storm highlights the inherent risks faced by vessels on these inland seas. The Tug’s suspected unseaworthiness raises questions about maritime safety standards of the era. The missing wreck, likely resting deep in Lake Ontario, remains a poignant reminder of the perils of the Great Lakes and the lives lost in pursuit of commerce and transportation.

Keywords

#FrankCBarnes #JCOsgood #Tugboat #LakeOntarioShipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #LostShip #CanadaSteamshipLines #OswegoShipwrecks #GreatLakesTowing