Vessel Identification

• Vessel Name: TOM COCHRANE

• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug

• Build Year and Location: 1861, constructed by Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, New York

• Tonnage: 14 tons

• Official Number: None assigned

Incident Summary

The TOM COCHRANE met its unfortunate end on October 27, 1862. While en route from Buffalo, New York to Chicago, Illinois, the Tug struck rocks near Sturgeon Point, located just west of Buffalo on Lake Erie. This mishap occurred during foggy conditions, which obscured the crew’s Visibility and increased the difficulty of navigating Lake Erie’s rocky shores.

Although the vessel was completely lost, all crew members survived. In a resourceful escape, the crew managed to float ashore using a cabin door as an improvised flotation device, a testament to their resilience and quick thinking in an emergency.

Vessel Specifications and Background

• The TOM COCHRANE was built in 1861 by the shipbuilding company Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo. With a tonnage of 14 tons, it was a relatively small wooden Tugboat, designed primarily for short-haul towing and other supportive tasks rather than long voyages.

• Propeller steam tugs like the TOM COCHRANE were essential for various support roles on the Great Lakes, assisting in towing and guiding larger vessels through narrow or challenging waterways.

Final Disposition

The incident that led to the TOM COCHRANE’s loss underscores the hazards of foggy weather and rocky terrain near Point Abino on Lake Erie, an area known for its treacherous waters. The Tug struck rocks near Point Abino, and the force of the impact led to irreparable damage, causing the vessel to sink.

This incident was part of a series of maritime tragedies in 1862, as highlighted in the Casualty List of 1862 published by the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser on January 26, 1863. Additionally, the Buffalo Daily Courier documented the grounding, noting the remarkable survival of the crew, who managed to use the cabin door to reach shore.

Survival and Historical Context

The crew’s escape by floating on a cabin door adds a unique human interest element to the story, reflecting both the ingenuity and dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners in the 19th century. Despite their close call, the crew’s survival stood in contrast to a rumored incident shortly after, in which another Tug was reportedly lost at Port Colborne on November 1, 1862, with a tragic loss of 17 lives.

Sources and Additional References

For those interested in more details about this incident and others on the Great Lakes, historical newspaper archives provide valuable context:

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (January 26, 1863) – Includes the Casualty List of 1862 and mentions the loss of the TOM COCHRANE.

• Buffalo Daily Courier (October 30, 1862) – Provides an account of the Tug’s grounding and the survival of its crew.

Conclusion

The loss of the TOM COCHRANE near Sturgeon Point highlights the treacherous conditions of Lake Erie and the risks faced by mariners, particularly during foggy weather. Despite the Total Loss of the vessel, the ingenuity of the crew in using a cabin door to escape safely showcases their resourcefulness. This incident, part of a broader pattern of Great Lakes maritime casualties in 1862, serves as a reminder of the perils of early Tugboat operations on the Great Lakes.