Identification & Site Information

• Name: MARY KAY (formerly PAYDAY II, later CAPT. G.H. SMITH or SWIFT)
• Type: Tugboat
• Year Built: 1957
• Builder: Franklin, Louisiana
• Dimensions:
• Length: 55 feet (17 metres)
• Weight: 35 tons
• Depth of Wreck: 42 feet (13 metres)
• Coordinates: 43°27’42.3” N, 76°33’11.88” W (west of Oswego harbor, Lake Ontario)

Vessel Type Description

The MARY KAY was a compact but powerful Tugboat designed for industrial and commercial towing tasks. Originally constructed as the PAYDAY II, the vessel was equipped with twin Murphy diesel engines, which provided reliable power for its operations. Tugboats like the MARY KAY were versatile workhorses, often serving in ports, along coastlines, and on the Great Lakes for towing, salvage, and other heavy-duty tasks.

History

Construction and Early Years

•Built in 1957, the Tug was originally named PAYDAY II.

•Designed as a robust vessel for towing and industrial operations.

•Operated in various capacities before being acquired by International Barge Lines and stationed at Port Weller, Ontario, in 1987.

Renovation and Rebranding

•In 1987, the vessel was purchased by Salvage and Demolition Inc. of North Weymouth, Massachusetts.

•Renamed CAPT. G.H. SMITH or SWIFT, and later renamed MARY KAY.

•Underwent a significant refurbishment, including maintenance on its twin Murphy diesel engines.

Final Voyage

•On September 21, 1988, the MARY KAY departed from Rochester, New York, en route to Boston.

•Encountered severe weather conditions west of Oswego harbor, with 9-foot waves overwhelming the Stern.

•The engine room flooded, causing the Tugboat to list and sink rapidly.

Final Disposition

•The MARY KAY sank in 42 feet (13 metres) of water near Oswego, Lake Ontario.

•The captain and engineer aboard were rescued by the US Coast Guard after issuing a distress call.

•The US Coast Guard Cutter from Oswego responded heroically, earning recognition and certificates from the City of Oswego Police Department for their bravery.

Significance of the Site

The MARY KAY’s wreck highlights the challenges of operating smaller vessels in unpredictable weather on the Great Lakes. Its sinking serves as a testament to the power of these inland seas and the courage of rescue teams who respond to emergencies. The wreck is also a point of interest for divers and maritime historians, offering insights into mid-20th-century Tugboat construction and operations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The MARY KAY rests in shallow waters, making it an accessible dive site for recreational divers. However, the wreck’s condition has likely deteriorated due to its exposure to the elements since 1988. Divers visiting the site can explore the remnants of the Hull and engine components, which remain as a snapshot of Great Lakes maritime history.

Resources & Links

• Oswego Maritime Foundation: Provides detailed accounts of shipwrecks near Oswego.
• Downloadable Brochure: Mary-Kay-Wreckage-Brochure (Details and history of the wreck site)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive resources for shipwrecks in Lake Ontario and surrounding waters.

3D Model by www.sonarguy.com

Tug Mary Kay Lake Ontario by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

Keywords

#MaryKay #TugboatWreck #LakeOntarioShipwreck #OswegoMaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwreck #TugboatSinking #MaritimeRescue #1988Shipwreck #USCoastGuard #RecreationalDiving

Conclusion

The story of the MARY KAY exemplifies the resilience and vulnerability of tugboats on the Great Lakes. While the vessel’s service spanned decades and multiple names, its tragic sinking west of Oswego remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by mariners. Today, the wreck site provides a meaningful exploration opportunity for divers and a poignant chapter in the history of Lake Ontario’s maritime legacy.