INCIDENT SUMMARY

On a stormy Wednesday night, a tragic maritime accident unfolded in the outer harbor of Oswego, New York, involving the Schooner Captain and the steam screw Tug Eliza K. Redford. Both vessels were driven ashore by severe weather, leading to the loss of the Schooner Captain and the tragic drowning of one individual.

VESSEL DETAILS

Eliza K. Redford

•Type: Steam Screw Tug

•Year Built: 1881

•Builder Location: Oswego, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: 58.0 feet (17.68 meters)

•Beam: 14.0 feet (4.27 meters)

•Depth: 8.0 feet (2.44 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 35.10 tons

•Net Tonnage: 17.55 tons

•Homeport: Oswego, New York

•Registered Number: 135493

The Eliza K. Redford was a robust steam screw Tug operating primarily out of its homeport of Oswego, serving the bustling trade and navigation needs of the region. It was a workhorse vessel, instrumental in assisting other ships and conducting towing operations in the challenging waters of Lake Ontario.

HISTORY AND TRAGIC INCIDENT

The Fateful Night

The Schooner Captain, heavily laden with lumber, and the Tug Eliza K. Redford encountered a severe storm while navigating the outer harbor of Oswego. Amid deteriorating weather conditions, the powerful winds and waves drove both vessels ashore, resulting in significant damage to the Captain and the tragic drowning of one person.

Consequences and Impact

The Captain was a Total Loss, its cargo of lumber scattered by the storm. The tragedy also claimed a life, underscoring the dangers mariners face, particularly during severe weather events. The incident left a lasting mark on the maritime community of Oswego, serving as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of vessels, even near protected harbors.

Legacy of the Incident

This event highlighted the critical importance of preparedness, vigilance, and respect for the often-unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. It stands as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in maritime navigation during the 19th century, a period marked by frequent shipwrecks and loss of life on the Great Lakes.

REFERENCES & LINKS

•Marine History of the Great Lakes Website: Comprehensive details about the vessels and incidents on the Great Lakes.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database of historical shipwrecks, including the Eliza K. Redford and Captain.

•Great Lakes Ships: Historical vessel data and documentation.

•Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection: Archival material on Great Lakes vessels.

CONCLUSION

The story of the Eliza K. Redford and Captain illustrates the perils faced by mariners navigating Lake Ontario’s treacherous waters. While the Eliza K. Redford was a well-built and reliable Tug, the devastating storm demonstrated that even sturdy vessels could fall victim to the forces of nature. This tragic incident remains a part of Oswego’s maritime legacy and serves as a historical touchpoint for the dangers of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation.