IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Names: J.L. Miner (renamed Irene Beauchine in 1928)

•Type: Wooden Propeller Tug (Steam Barge)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 53.7 feet (16.4 meters)

•Beam: 13.8 feet (4.2 meters)

•Depth: 6.5 feet (2.0 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 23.12 tons

•Net: 11.56 tons

•Propulsion: Screw Propulsion system

•Builder: Ellenwood, Detroit, Michigan (1880)

•Final Resting Place: Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie, in 20 feet (6 meters) of water

•Coordinates: GPS location under research

•Condition: Intact but weathering underwater decay.

•Accessibility: Suitable for beginner to intermediate divers due to shallow depth but with caution due to harbor traffic.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The J.L. Miner, later renamed Irene Beauchine, was a wooden steam-powered Tugboat built to tow larger vessels and assist in maneuvering them in busy harbor environments. Its robust construction and Screw Propulsion system made it indispensable in aiding commercial shipping operations. The vessel transitioned through different ownerships and served a variety of functions, including participating in major infrastructure projects such as the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel construction.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Years

Built in 1880 in Detroit, Michigan, the J.L. Miner was initially a workhorse for the Great Lakes, providing towing and rescue services. The vessel was designed for resilience and utility, serving for nearly five decades.

Name Change and Final Years

In 1928, the vessel was renamed Irene Beauchine under the ownership of Irene Beauchine of Syracuse. This period marked its involvement in significant projects like the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The renaming also signified a new chapter in its service life, though it ultimately met a tragic end two years later.

Collision and Sinking

On May 7, 1930, the Irene Beauchine was involved in a fatal collision with the motor tanker Amsterdam Socony in Buffalo Harbor, approximately 800 feet from the south pier light. The impact tore a large hole in the vessel, leading it to sink rapidly in 20 feet of water. All four crew members survived, having jumped overboard and been rescued by the crew of the Amsterdam Socony. However, the Tug was irreparably damaged, marking the end of its operational life.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Irene Beauchine sank in Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie, where it remains submerged in 20 feet of water. Despite its shallow depth, currents and harbor traffic make it a challenging yet intriguing dive site for enthusiasts. The wreck’s intact structure offers a glimpse into the robust construction of late 19th-century steam tugs.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

While no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are directly associated with the wreck site, mariners and divers should exercise caution in the busy waters of Buffalo Harbor.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has been known to local divers and historians, but its exact GPS coordinates are under research. The site is often visited for its historical significance and relative accessibility.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: MaritimeHistoryoftheGreatLakes.ca

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Buffalo Courier-Express: May 8, 1930, edition detailing the collision and aftermath.

•Detroit News Archives: Information on the vessel’s role in the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel project.

KEYWORDS

J.L. Miner, Irene Beauchine, Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie shipwreck, Amsterdam Socony collision, Great Lakes maritime history, wooden propeller Tug, steam Barge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, 19th-century tugboats.

CONCLUSION

The Irene Beauchine embodies the hardworking spirit of Great Lakes vessels, transitioning from the J.L. Miner into a pivotal role in the maritime industry. Its long service life, marked by resilience and adaptability, ended tragically in a collision, underscoring the inherent dangers of maritime operations. Today, the wreck serves as an underwater memorial and a valuable site for exploration and historical study, connecting divers and researchers to a bygone era of Great Lakes navigation.