Shipwreck Report: S.A. Clark (Steam Tug)

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: S.A. Clark

•Other Names: None documented

•Type: Propeller Steam Tug

•Year Built: 1863

•Builder: Wm. Hingston, Buffalo, New York, USA

•Material: Wood

•Tonnage: 12 tons

•Length: Not documented

•Beam: Not documented

•Depth: Not documented

•Location of Incident: Buffalo Harbor, New York, USA

•Date of Incident: November 23, 1867

•Final Status: Destroyed by boiler explosion and sunk in Buffalo Harbor

Vessel Type Description

The S.A. Clark was a small, wooden-hulled propeller steam Tug. Built in Buffalo, New York, the vessel was designed to assist larger ships in navigation and docking within busy harbors. Tugs like the S.A. Clark were integral to the maritime economy, facilitating safe and efficient shipping operations in crowded waterways.

History

The S.A. Clark, launched in 1863, was an essential component of Buffalo’s harbor operations. Though modest in size, it was well-suited to its role as a steam-powered Tug, serving the bustling trade routes and assisting vessels in and around Lake Erie.

The Tragic Explosion

On the morning of November 23, 1867, Buffalo Harbor was shaken by a catastrophic explosion aboard the S.A. Clark. The vessel’s boiler ruptured due to dangerously high steam pressure and insufficient water levels, resulting in a violent blast that tore the Tug apart.

•Immediate Impact:

The explosion sent debris from the Tug flying across the harbor, leaving the vessel in fragments. The wreckage sank into the harbor, marking the S.A. Clark’s sudden and tragic end.

•Casualties:

While no lives were lost, the explosion caused severe injuries to two crew members:

•One man suffered grave injuries due to the force of the explosion.

•Another sustained serious cuts to his head.

•Cause:

The accident was attributed to operator negligence and poor maintenance. Reports revealed excessive steam pressure in the boiler, compounded by inadequate water levels—a dangerous combination that led to the boiler’s failure.

Final Disposition

The remains of the S.A. Clark were deemed irreparable, and the vessel was left submerged in Buffalo Harbor. The explosion rendered the Tug unsalvageable, and its remnants likely deteriorated over time in the harbor’s waters.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or navigational advisories related to the wreck of the S.A. Clark, as its remains are no longer considered a hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the S.A. Clark was not formally documented or explored after the explosion. The site likely lies buried beneath sediment in Buffalo Harbor.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The exact condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was not preserved or marked. The S.A. Clark likely deteriorated over time, leaving little to no trace in the harbor’s waters.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context for steam tugs on the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Records of maritime incidents in the Great Lakes region

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into maritime hazards and wreck documentation

Conclusion

The story of the S.A. Clark is a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with steam-powered vessels in the 19th century. Its tragic end highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety standards, lessons that resonate in the maritime industry to this day. Though the vessel was lost to an unforeseen disaster, its legacy endures as a symbol of the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Keywords

#SAClark #BuffaloHarbor #SteamTugExplosion #GreatLakesShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyVessels #LakeErie