TORNADO – Shipwreck Information

• Official No.: 24399
• Type at Loss: Propeller steam Tug, wood
• Built: 1862, Kitts & Moore, Oswego, New York
• Gross Tonnage: 102 tons (102g)
• Net Tonnage: 57 tons (57n)
• Date of Loss: August 6, 1870
• Place of Loss: 4 miles northwest of Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Type of Loss: Boiler explosion
• Loss of Life: 3 of 6 crew members
• Owner at Time of Loss: Smith & Post of Oswego
• Master at Time of Loss: Captain William H. Manwarring (d)
• Vessel Type Propeller steam Tug

Description

The Tornado was a wooden steam-powered Tugboat built in 1862 at Kitts & Moore in Oswego, New York. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the most powerful tugs on Lake Ontario, designed to tow larger vessels and assist with navigation across the lake.

The boiler explosion that led to the Tornado’s sinking occurred on August 6, 1870, just 4 miles northwest of Oswego. The vessel, which was carrying no cargo at the time, suffered an explosion in its boiler, a common cause of maritime disasters during the 19th century. The new boiler had reportedly been allowed to run almost dry, which caused it to explode when cold water was introduced to replenish the steam supply. This led to a catastrophic failure of the engine, and the Tugboat sank rapidly in deep water before any significant rescue could be mounted.

At the time, the vessel was owned by Smith & Post of Oswego, with Captain William H. Manwarring at the helm. Despite the tragic loss of three crew members (of the six aboard), the explosion was likely too sudden for them to react or escape. While the Tug was a well-regarded vessel for its power, the loss highlighted the significant risks involved in operating steam-powered vessels during this period, especially with the sometimes faulty or unregulated boiler technology.

Final Dispositions

The Tornado Foundered rapidly after the explosion, and the wreck was submerged in deep water. No effort to recover or salvage the vessel is documented, and the wreck likely remained lost beneath the waters of Lake Ontario.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Tornado, a steam Tug constructed in 1862, tragically exploded on August 6, 1870, just 4 miles northwest of Oswego on Lake Ontario. The boiler explosion resulted in the rapid sinking of the vessel, claiming the lives of three crew members. Despite its reputation as one of the most powerful tugs on the lake, the incident underscores the risks of early steam-powered vessels and their vulnerability to boiler malfunctions. The wreck remains un-located, and the loss is a significant part of the early maritime history on Lake Ontario.