Vessel Identification

• Name: THOMAS COLEMAN
• Type: Wooden Propeller Tug
• Official Number: 145030
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: Newburgh, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 73 feet (22.3 meters) Beam (Width): 16.2 feet (4.9 meters) Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: Approximately 100 gross tons
• Home Port: Detroit, Michigan
• Final Disposition: Fire-damaged and likely declared a Total Loss on November 20, 1883, in Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The THOMAS COLEMAN was a wooden propeller Tug. Tugboats like the THOMAS COLEMAN were essential workhorses, operating in both harbors and open waters where they assisted larger vessels by towing, maneuvering ships into docks, and occasionally performing rescue operations. Despite its relatively compact size, the THOMAS COLEMAN had substantial power and was versatile, able to operate in the busy waters of New York Harbour and later in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Built in 1864 in Newburgh, New York, the THOMAS COLEMAN began service as a harbour Tug in New York. In one of the world’s busiest ports, it performed the vital tasks typical of tugs, including towing and docking assistance. The vessel’s compact design, paired with a robust build, allowed it to navigate crowded waters efficiently and take on demanding work that required both power and precision.

Transition to the Great Lake Relocated in 1874 to the Great Lakes, the THOMAS COLEMAN was brought to the region to support the booming shipping industry. Its new home port became Detroit, Michigan, where it operated under the ownership of Captain William Mills. Role in the Great Lakes: On the Great Lakes, the THOMAS COLEMAN was likely involved in towing barges, assisting in docking operations, and potentially aiding in rescue efforts during emergencies. The Great Lakes were bustling with commercial traffic, and tugboats like the THOMAS COLEMAN played crucial roles in ensuring the safe movement of vessels across busy shipping lanes.

The Tragic Fire of 1883

• Date of Incident: November 20, 1883
• Location: Near the Bar Point Lightship on Lake Erie
• Event: While lying alongside the Bar Point Lightship, the THOMAS COLEMAN caught fire. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but it spread rapidly through the wooden structure of the vessel. As flames consumed the Tug, the crew Abandoned ship and took to a lifeboat. However, the lifeboat began to leak, creating a serious risk of drowning.

Rescue Efforts and Final Outcome

Rescue by the Tug ONEIDA: The Tug ONEIDA arrived just in time to provide assistance, towing the burning THOMAS COLEMAN toward shore. Fire Extinguished by Tug WILCOX: Another Tug, the WILCOX, managed to extinguish the flames. However, the fire had already destroyed the entire upper works of the Tug, leaving the vessel severely damaged. Final Disposition: Despite being towed ashore, the extent of the fire damage rendered the THOMAS COLEMAN a probable Total Loss. Reports indicate that the vessel was likely deemed beyond repair, ending nearly two decades of service.

Ownership and Service on the Great Lakes

Throughout its time on the Great Lakes, the THOMAS COLEMAN was owned by Captain William Mills, who oversaw its operations in Detroit and surrounding areas. For nearly a decade, the Tug served as a valuable asset to the Great Lakes maritime industry, performing essential services for commercial vessels. Its duties would have included towing, docking assistance, and potentially lifesaving activities, highlighting its role in the regional economy and navigation safety.

Final Disposition

The THOMAS COLEMAN was extensively damaged by fire on November 20, 1883, near the Bar Point Lightship in Lake Erie. Although the fire was eventually extinguished, the vessel’s upper works were completely destroyed, and the Tug was likely deemed a Total Loss. This marked the end of a nearly 20-year career in service.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck or the location of the THOMAS COLEMAN. The vessel was towed ashore after the fire, and any remaining wreckage would have been managed or salvaged at that time.

The THOMAS COLEMAN was last located at the Bar Point Lightship in Lake Erie on November 20, 1883. Following the fire, the vessel was towed ashore, but specific details regarding the final location or any remaining wreckage are undocumented.

Resources & Links for Further Information

For additional research, these resources may provide further historical insights:

• Great Lakes Ships: General information on ships that operated on the Great Lakes.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Known for detailed records on Great Lakes shipwrecks, potentially including incidents like the THOMAS COLEMAN’s fire.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: An online archive with documents, reports, and images related to Great Lakes vessels.

Conclusion

The THOMAS COLEMAN was an essential asset, first in New York Harbor and later on the Great Lakes, providing nearly two decades of reliable service before its unfortunate end. The fire that consumed the Tug in 1883 underscores the dangers faced by wooden vessels of the period, which were highly vulnerable to fire without modern firefighting equipment. Despite rescue efforts, the THOMAS COLEMAN could not be saved, and it was likely declared a Total Loss. The Tug’s history serves as a testament to the challenges and risks of 19th-century maritime work.

Keywords: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Tugboat, Lake Erie, 19th Century Shipping, Fire at Sea, Bar Point Lightship, Detroit Michigan, Shipwreck Resilience