Waters W. Braman (Formerly U.S.Q.M.C. Tug Rescue)

General Information

• Other Names:

• U.S.Q.M.C. Tug Rescue

• Walter M. Braman

• W. Braman Walters

• W.M. Brayman

• Type: Propeller Steam Tug

• Construction:

• Year Built: 1858

• Location Built: Boston, Massachusetts

• Material: Wood

• Tonnage: 89

• Home Ports:

• Initially: Port Royal, South Carolina

• Later: Great Lakes Region

History and Loss

• Original Role: Built as the U.S.Q.M.C. Tug Rescue for use during the mid-19th century.

• Later Modifications: Brought to the Great Lakes from New York City and Rebuilt just five weeks before its loss.

Incident Summary

• Date of Loss: June 26, 1867

• Location: The Passage near Pelee Island, approximately 7 miles east of the Dummy (Lake Erie)

• Cause: Fire originating in the coal bunker area near the boilers

• Fate:

• Burned out and sank near Point Pelee after failed suppression efforts.

• Crew Abandoned the vessel and were rescued by the propeller Steamship Trader.

• No casualties reported.

Salvage Efforts:

• In 1883, a wrecking expedition sought to recover the engine and boiler from the submerged wreck.

• It was believed that portions of the machinery were undamaged and could be repurposed.

Legacy

The Waters W. Braman serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Despite its relatively short service life and an untimely demise, the Tug’s story highlights the challenges of 19th-century maritime operations. The fire, though devastating, fortunately resulted in no loss of life—a rare mercy in Great Lakes shipwreck history.

References & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships

The tale of the Waters W. Braman adds depth to the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes, serving as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the resilience of seafarers in the face of adversity.