Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: CHARLES F. FOSTER

•Type: Iron Ore Barge

•Date of Incident: December 9, 1900

•Location: Approximately 10 miles off Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie

•Depth: Not specified; reported as partially submerged with its mast projecting 5 feet above the water shortly after sinking

•Condition: Sunk rapidly during a severe winter gale; initially reported as a hazard to navigation

Vessel Type Description

The CHARLES F. FOSTER was a wooden Schooner Barge built in 1876 in Milan, Ohio. Designed to transport bulk cargo, particularly iron ore, the Barge had a Gross Tonnage of 997.84 tons. With dimensions of 227.0 feet in length, 36.0 feet in beam, and 15.0 feet in depth, it was typical of late-19th-century vessels used for heavy freight on the Great Lakes. The Barge was towed by steamers like the IRON DUKEduring its operational lifetime.

History

The CHARLES F. FOSTER served as a critical part of the Great Lakes shipping industry for over 24 years, facilitating the transport of iron ore and other materials. On its final voyage in December 1900, the Barge was being towed by the Steamer IRON DUKE from Duluth to Erie, carrying a cargo of 1,000 tons of iron ore.

During a fierce winter storm, the Towline between the IRON DUKE and the FOSTER parted as the Barge was overwhelmed by a large wave. The CHARLES F. FOSTER rapidly sank, claiming the lives of all eight crew members. Despite search efforts, no survivors were found, underscoring the peril of navigating the Great Lakes during severe weather.

Final Disposition

The wreck sank approximately 10 miles off the coast of Erie, Pennsylvania. Shortly after the incident, Capt. William S. Hoag of the Steamer JAMES B. NEILSON reported sighting the partially submerged wreck. One of the masts was still visible above the water, tilted at a 45-degree angle, marking it as a hazard to navigation.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The CHARLES F. FOSTER was deemed a significant navigational hazard at the time of its sinking. While there are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the site, historical records highlight the wreck as a danger to vessels traveling in the area.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was first identified shortly after its sinking, located approximately 7 miles offshore and 6–7 miles west of the Erie Peninsula along the route between Buffalo and Cleveland.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck remains uncertain. Initially reported as partially submerged, the wreck has likely deteriorated due to natural forces over time. Its location, depth, and potential hazards make accessibility difficult for diving or exploration. Extreme caution is recommended for any activity near the site.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database: Comprehensive records of Lake Erie maritime disasters.

2.NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Context on storm patterns and shipwreck locations.

3.Google Books and Archives: Additional historical references on the CHARLES F. FOSTER and similar shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of the CHARLES F. FOSTER during a violent winter gale illustrates the dangers of late-season navigation on the Great Lakes. The wreck is a somber reminder of the lives lost and the challenges faced by mariners during this era. It remains one of Lake Erie’s significant historical shipwrecks, offering lessons about the unpredictable power of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #IronOreBarge #CharlesFFoster #WinterStorm #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration