IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Foley

Official Number: 6749

Type: Wooden-hulled Steamer

Tonnage:

•Gross: 541 tons

•Net: 348 tons

Length: 154 feet (46.9 meters)

Beam: 31 feet (9.4 meters)

Depth: 16 feet (4.9 meters)

Construction: Built in 1872 in Baltimore, Maryland

Propulsion: Screw Propulsion system

Owner & Captain: Captain James Godman

Location of Wreck: Approximately 15 miles above Charlotte, New York, and 8 miles offshore in Lake Ontario

Depth of Wreck: Over 400 feet (122 meters)

GPS Coordinates: Approximate; specific coordinates not documented

Date of Wreck: July 1, 1890

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Foley was a robust wooden-hulled Steamer, originally built to endure the rigours of Great Lakes shipping. It was powered by a Screw Propulsion system and measured 154 feet in length with a beam of 31 feet and a depth of 16 feet. With a Gross Tonnage of 541 tons, the vessel was well-suited for carrying substantial cargo. Captain James Godman, its final owner, valued the Foley at over $40,000 upon acquiring it for Great Lakes service in 1886.

HISTORY

Early Years

Built in 1872 in Baltimore, Maryland, the Foley initially operated along the Atlantic coast before transitioning to the Great Lakes in the mid-1880s. By the time Captain Godman acquired the vessel, it was a critical player in transporting coal and other bulk goods across the region.

Final Voyage

On July 1, 1890, the Foley departed Charlotte, New York, bound for Chicago, Illinois, with 748 tons of coal aboard. It was towing another coal-laden vessel, the American Union. The journey was routine until disaster struck off the coast of Charlotte.

A sudden fire broke out in the boiler house, spreading rapidly despite the crew’s attempts to extinguish it, even with the assistance of a passing rain squall. Unable to contain the flames, the crew Abandoned ship, taking refuge in a small boat. The fire burned the Foley to the waterline before it sank into Lake Ontario’s depths.

The American Union, unable to accommodate the displaced crew, ensured their safety by transporting them to shore. Local assistance from a farmer enabled the crew to reach a nearby railroad station. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Foley was declared a Total Loss after the fire and sank in over 400 feet of water. The vessel was insured for $19,000, and its coal cargo for $2,872. However, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, adding an air of mystery to the tragedy.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) linked to the Foley’s wreck site. However, Lake Ontario is known for its challenging conditions and historical shipwrecks, making caution essential for navigators in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact coordinates of the Foley’s wreck are undocumented. Modern surveys have not located the vessel, leaving it undisturbed in Lake Ontario’s deep waters.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck is presumed to have deteriorated significantly over the decades due to its wooden Hull and the harsh underwater environment. At a depth exceeding 400 feet, it is inaccessible to recreational divers. Any remnants likely require advanced equipment and technology to locate and study.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•The Marine Record (September 15, 1887; September 29, 1887; December 15, 1887)

•C. Patrick Labadie Great Lakes Ship Collection

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Wrecksite

CONCLUSION

The Foley was a testament to the critical role steamers played in 19th-century Great Lakes commerce, particularly in the coal trade. Its tragic end on July 1, 1890, underscores the perils of maritime transport, especially in an era when fire at sea often spelled disaster. The wreck, resting deep in Lake Ontario, remains a significant but elusive piece of Great Lakes history, representing both the resilience and fragility of early steam-powered vessels.

KEYWORDS

•Foley Steamer

•Lake Ontario shipwreck

•Great Lakes maritime history

•Wooden Steamship

•19th-century shipwreck

•Charlotte New York shipwreck

•Deepwater wreck