The Story of Tugboat Thomas H. and Its Catastrophic Sinking

Event Summary

On a stormy night in May 1945, the Tugboat Thomas H., with six iron ore-laden barges in tow, departed Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake, New York, heading toward Oswego. What began as a routine journey ended in tragedy due to high winds, rough waters, and equipment failure. Of the crew of 12, one man was lost, three barges sank, and the Tugboat was Abandoned and subsequently lost to the lake’s depths.

The Incident

• Departure: Thomas H. left Sylvan Beach at 11:40 p.m.
• Conditions: Winds reached 27 mph, causing the lake to whip into chaos, tossing the convoy of barges violently.
• Crew Evacuation: The Tug’s captain, Dallard, ordered the crew off all barges except the last one, manned by 73-year-old Charles Blanchard. Shortly after, the Tug began leaking and sank at 2:30 a.m.
• Survival: Eleven crew members climbed aboard the Barge Margaret Hutton, where they signaled distress and worked pumps until rescued at noon by the Poughkeepsie, a Standard Oil Company vessel.
• Loss of Life: Charles Blanchard, manning the last Barge, was unaccounted for and presumed drowned.

The Wreck

The Thomas H. remained undiscovered until 1982, lying in the depths of Oneida Lake, along with nearby wrecked barges. Its identity and location had been a mystery for nearly four decades.

Historical Background

• Original Name: Thomas Flannery
• •Built: 1898, at Tottenville, NY
• Specifications: Length: 40.2 feet Engine: 240 hp, four-cylinder diesel

The Tug played a vital role in transporting goods across the region until its fateful demise.

Modern Survey

On May 3, 2022, Prudent Engineering conducted a detailed survey of the wreck site. The survey included:

• Technological Tools:
• Multibeam sonar and mapping system
• 4K Deepwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)
• Sub-bottom profiler

Findings: The survey produced high-resolution maps and detailed imagery, confirming the Tugboat’s condition and its historical significance.

Legacy

The wreck of Thomas H. serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by mariners and the power of Oneida Lake’s unpredictable weather. It also highlights the historical importance of tugboats and barges in supporting the industrial and transportation economy of New York State in the early 20th century.

The story of the Thomas H. and its rediscovery has captured the imagination of maritime historians, divers, and enthusiasts, keeping the legacy of this resilient Tugboat alive.