Wreck Report: Crossman

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Crossman

•Type: Pleasure Yacht

•Location: Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River, New York, USA

•Date of Incident: September 8, 1902

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth: Near the water’s edge; exact depth unknown

Vessel Type Description

The Crossman was a luxurious pleasure yacht designed for leisure and social gatherings. Characterized by sleek lines and fine craftsmanship, yachts like the Crossman were icons of elegance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Equipped with upscale amenities, they offered an idyllic setting for affluent passengers to enjoy scenic river views and host social events.

History

The Crossman was a prominent and cherished vessel in Alexandria Bay, serving as a centerpiece for leisure activities on the St. Lawrence River. Known for its graceful design and tranquil voyages, it frequently hosted sunset cruises, family gatherings, and social outings. For many, the Crossman represented the joy and refinement of river life in the Thousand Islands region.

On the night of September 8, 1902, tragedy struck. The yacht was engulfed by a devastating fire that consumed it entirely, leaving only remnants near the water’s edge. Despite the efforts of those nearby, the fire burned uncontrollably. The cause of the blaze remains unclear, though it marked the end of the Crossman’s presence as a symbol of beauty and leisure in the area.

Final Disposition

The Crossman was deemed a Total Loss following the fire. With the vessel burned to the water’s edge, salvage or recovery was minimal, and no significant efforts to restore or recover the yacht were recorded. The fire reduced the once-elegant yacht to charred fragments, leaving behind little for posterity.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status:

•There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck of the Crossman.

•The remains are likely not a navigational hazard but may still hold historical interest.

Located By & Date

•The remains of the Crossman were identified shortly after the fire in 1902. Due to the total destruction of the vessel, no significant wreck site is noted in maritime records.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Crossman’s remains are presumed minimal, as the fire consumed most of the vessel. While local divers and maritime history enthusiasts may explore the general area, the likelihood of finding intact portions of the yacht is slim. The site may be of interest for its historical context rather than its physical remains.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers contextual information about yachts and vessels in the region during this period.

•British Whig (Kingston, ON), September 9, 1902: Original report detailing the fire and loss of the yacht.

Conclusion

The loss of the Crossman on September 8, 1902, marked a poignant moment for the community of Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands region. Once a symbol of elegance and tranquility, the yacht was reduced to ashes in a tragic fire, leaving only its memory in historical records. The incident highlights the fragility of wooden yachts and the challenges of fire safety during the early 20th century. Today, the Crossman remains an enduring chapter in the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River.

Keywords

Crossman yacht, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, Alexandria Bay wreck, pleasure yacht fire, maritime history, early 20th-century yachts, leisure boat shipwreck.