The M.J. CUMMINGS: A Tugboat of Promise and Tragedy

Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: M.J. CUMMINGS
• • Official Number: 91329
• • Built By: ‘Brow’ Morgan
• • Place of Construction: Oswego, New York, USA
• • Year Built: 1881
• • Launch Date: May 4, 1881
• • Enrollment Date: June 16, 1881, in Oswego
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 65 feet (19.8 m)
• • Beam: 14 feet 6 inches (4.4 m)
• • Depth of Hold: 7 feet 9 inches (2.4 m)
• • Gross Tonnage: 34.75 tons
• • Net Tonnage: 17.37 tons
• • Vessel Type: Steam screw Tugboat
• • Home Port: Oswego, New York
• • Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire in 1892 or 1893.

Vessel Type Description

The M.J. CUMMINGS was a small but robust steam screw Tugboat, modeled after the ELIZA J. REDFORD, a contemporary vessel of similar dimensions. Designed for operations in and around the Great Lakes, it was built to handle the demands of towing and other utility tasks essential to the maritime trade of the late 19th century.

History

The M.J. CUMMINGS was launched on May 4, 1881, to much fanfare in Oswego, New York. The event drew a crowd of enthusiastic spectators, marking a moment of optimism and hope for the vessel’s future success. Named after Captain Timothy Donovan, the Tugboat was regarded as a “handsome vessel,” and its launch underscored the importance of small but vital ships in Great Lakes maritime commerce.

In the weeks following its launch, the Tugboat was prepared for operation and enrolled in Oswego on June 16, 1881. With its modest size and steam propulsion, the M.J. CUMMINGS was well-suited to the towing and harbor duties it likely performed.

Final Disposition

The M.J. CUMMINGS met a tragic and untimely end. Though records do not confirm whether the incident occurred in 1892 or 1893, the Tugboat was destroyed by fire under unknown circumstances. The devastation led to the surrender of the vessel’s enrollment documents on May 20, 1894, with the official record noting that it was “wrecked – documents lost.”

Located By & Date

There is no record of the M.J. CUMMINGS being located or salvaged after its destruction by fire.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Obstructions: Given the vessel was destroyed by fire, it is unlikely that significant wreckage remains as a navigational hazard.

• Advisories: Mariners operating near Oswego, New York, are advised to consult charts for any submerged hazards related to historic wrecks.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The fate of the M.J. CUMMINGS suggests that any remains were either salvaged or lost over time. Its modest size and the nature of its destruction by fire likely left little to explore, and no site has been documented.

Conclusion

The M.J. CUMMINGS had a short but eventful existence, reflecting both the promise and peril of Great Lakes maritime operations in the 19th century. Its launch was celebrated as a symbol of hope and industry, but its fiery demise serves as a somber reminder of the hazards faced by even the sturdiest of vessels. While its physical presence has faded, the story of the M.J. CUMMINGS remains a testament to the rich maritime heritage of Oswego and the Great Lakes.