SHIPWRECK REPORT: Thousand Islander

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Thousand Islander

• Type: Gas Screw Vessel

• Official Number: 223896

• Built: 1924, Alexandria Bay, New York

• Home Port: Cape Vincent, New York

• Owner: D.H. Hass, Alexandria Bay, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 57.4 feet (17.5 meters)

• Beam: 9.2 feet (2.8 meters)

• Depth: 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 14 tons

• Net Tonnage: 10 tons

• Crew: 1

• Final Fate: Destroyed by fire on June 23, 1925, Alexandria Bay, New York

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The Thousand Islander was a small passenger vessel designed to navigate the intricate waterways of the Thousand Islands region. Built with a wooden Hull and powered by a Gas Screw engine, it served as a reliable Ferry for tourists and locals exploring the scenic region. Its modest size and shallow Draft made it ideal for traversing the winding channels and inlets of the area.

HISTORY & SERVICE

• Purpose: The Thousand Islander was used for passenger transport, catering to the burgeoning tourism industry and providing a convenient means of travel for locals.

• Operations: With a crew of one, the vessel played a vital role in the Thousand Islands’ economy, showcasing the beauty of the region to visitors while supporting local businesses.

INCIDENT DETAILS

• Date: June 23, 1925

• Location: Docked at Alexandria Bay, New York

• Event: While docked, the Thousand Islander caught fire with 33 people onboard. Despite the rapid spread of flames, all passengers and the lone crew member evacuated safely.

• Outcome: The vessel was completely destroyed by the fire and deemed a Total Loss.

AFTERMATH & LEGACY

• The vessel’s loss was noted in the 1927 Merchant Vessel List of the United States, marking the end of its short but impactful service.

• Legacy: The fire serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by wooden vessels in the early 20th century, particularly those powered by combustible fuels.

• Safety Impact: The quick and efficient evacuation of passengers highlights the importance of safety protocols in preventing loss of life during maritime disasters.

CURRENT STATUS

• Condition: Destroyed by fire; no remains are known to exist.

• Accessibility: Not applicable; no wreckage remains.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Thousand Islander is part of the maritime history of the Thousand Islands region, symbolizing the importance of small Passenger Vessels to local communities and tourism. Its loss highlights the ever-present risks of fire on early 20th-century wooden vessels and the critical role of safety measures in maritime operations.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Historical Society: For broader historical context on similar vessels and incidents.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Records

• Local Archives: Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent records may provide additional insights.

KEYWORDS

Thousand Islander, Alexandria Bay, Thousand Islands shipwreck, 1925 maritime disaster, Gas Screw vessel fire, early 20th-century passenger ferries

CONCLUSION

The Thousand Islander was a small but significant vessel that provided vital transportation for the Thousand Islands community. Its destruction by fire in 1925 serves as both a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels and a testament to the effectiveness of safety protocols that saved 33 lives. Its brief history remains a notable chapter in the maritime legacy of the region.