TRADER – Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: None
• Official No.: 162087
• Type at Loss: Sand scow, wood
• Build Info: 1903, Buffalo, NY
• Specs: 291 tons
• Date of Loss: 1908, July 9
• Place of Loss: Strawberry Island, Niagara River
• Lake: Erie
• Type of Loss: Stranded
• Loss of Life: None

History and Description

The TRADER was a wooden sand scow built in 1903 in Buffalo, New York. As a sand scow, it was likely used for transporting sand, gravel, or other loose materials, a common purpose for vessels operating in the Niagara River and other waterways of the Great Lakes. At 291 tons, the TRADER was a relatively large vessel for the type, designed for the heavy task of carrying bulk cargo.

Final Disposition

On July 9, 1908, the TRADER went aground while navigating the Niagara River, near Strawberry Island. The strong currents of the river caused the vessel to be wrecked and left her stranded in 15 feet (4.5 m) of water, approximately 300 feet (91.5 m) west of the main ship channel near the foot of the island.

Initially, the TRADER’s derrick remained emergent, visible above the water, but by the following October, it was carried away by the forces of the river. There is no record of loss of life from the incident.

Resources & Links

To explore more details on the TRADER or similar vessels, consult the following sources:

• Great Lakes Historical Society: Offers an extensive collection of maritime histories and shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships
• Lake Erie Shipwreck Database: Provides information on wrecks in the Lake Erie and surrounding areas.
• Niagara River Historical Database: Specializes in maritime accidents along the Niagara River.

Conclusion

The TRADER’s loss highlights the vulnerability of vessels operating in the Niagara River, especially near the treacherous currents of Strawberry Island. Despite her stranding and the eventual loss of her derrick, the TRADER did not result in any loss of life. She serves as a reminder of the challenges of navigation in this particular part of the Great Lakes system.