Shipwreck Report: Frank L. Bapst / Squaw / C.F. Coughlin

Identification & Site Information

•Original Name: Frank L. Bapst

•Subsequent Names: Squaw, C.F. Coughlin

•Type: Steam Screw Vessel

•Year Built: 1895

•Builder: Buffalo, New York

•Home Port: Buffalo, New York

Vessel Specifications

•Gross Tonnage: 42.39 tons

•Net Tonnage: 28.83 tons

•Length: 59.4 feet (18.1 meters)

•Beam: 17.3 feet (5.3 meters)

•Depth: 6.9 feet (2.1 meters)

•Propulsion: Steam screw

•Engine Power: 60 indicated horsepower

History

Frank L. Bapst

The vessel was originally launched as the Frank L. Bapst in 1895. Built for towing operations, it served primarily on the Great Lakes, assisting in the transportation of goods and other vessels in its capacity as a tow service vessel. Early records highlight its significance in the Buffalo maritime community.

Renamed: Squaw

By 1915, the vessel was renamed Squaw, continuing its tow service operations. It retained its original specifications and carried a crew of three, reflecting its consistent use in the same role.

Renamed: C.F. Coughlin

In its later years, the vessel underwent a final name change to C.F. Coughlin, as recorded in the 1925 Merchant Vessel List. Under this name, it was owned by the Conlon Canal Line, maintaining its role as a Towboat, a testament to its durable construction and ongoing utility in the region’s waterways.

Significance

The vessel’s series of name changes reflect its evolving ownership and function within the Great Lakes maritime industry. Small steam-powered towboats like the Frank L. Bapst were vital for supporting larger vessels and ensuring the flow of goods across the interconnected waterways of the region. Its operational history encapsulates the adaptability of these vessels to meet the growing industrial demands of the early 20th century.

Current Status

The ultimate fate of the Frank L. Bapst / Squaw / C.F. Coughlin is not well-documented. It is unknown whether the vessel was scrapped, lost, or Abandoned. Given its era of operation and the eventual decline of small steam-powered vessels, it likely ended its service through decommissioning or scrapping. Efforts to trace its wreckage or remains have not yielded definitive results.

Resources & Links

1.Merchant Vessel Lists:

•U.S., 1897, 1915, 1925 editions

•Maritime archives of the U.S.

2.Great Lakes Ships Website: Historical data on Great Lakes vessels.

3.Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Comprehensive history of Great Lakes maritime operations.

4.Marine Review (Cleveland, OH), May 30, 1895.

5.Buffalo Evening News: Issues from September 28, 1897, and October 5, 1897.

6.Green’s Marine Directory of the Great Lakes, 1919.

7.Mitchell & Co.’s Marine Directory, 1912.

Conclusion

The Frank L. Bapst, later known as Squaw and C.F. Coughlin, served as a steadfast workhorse on the Great Lakes, aiding in towing and cargo operations for several decades. Its series of renamings and consistent specifications reflect the enduring utility and adaptability of the vessel. While its final disposition remains a mystery, its legacy is preserved in the historical records of Great Lakes maritime commerce.