Other Names #
- J.L. MINER
A Fateful Collision on Lake Erie #
The J.L. Miner, a wooden propeller tug, had a storied history on the Great Lakes before meeting its unfortunate end in a collision on Lake Erie. Built in 1880 by Ellenwood in Detroit, the tug had served under various owners and witnessed numerous wrecks and rescues. Renamed as the Irene Beauchine in 1928, it was involved in the construction of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel in 1930. Join us as we delve into the details of the J.L. Miner’s career, its fateful collision on Lake Erie, and its final sinking.
The J.L. Miner was constructed in 1880 in Detroit, Michigan. This wooden propeller tug measured 53.7 feet in length, 13.8 feet in beam, and had a depth of 6.5 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 23.12 tons and a net tonnage of 11.56 tons. The tug was powered by a screw propulsion system.
Over the years, the J.L. Miner had various owners and played a significant role in the maritime activities of the Great Lakes. It was involved in numerous wrecks and rescues, gaining a reputation as a reliable and well-known tug. In 1928, the tug was renamed the Irene Beauchine under the ownership of Irene Beauchine from Syracuse. It continued to operate under the command of John and Mack Butler.
On May 7, 1930, tragedy struck the Irene Beauchine in Buffalo Harbor on Lake Erie. In a confusion of passing signals, the tug was rammed by the 260-foot motor tanker Amsterdam Socony. The collision occurred approximately 800 feet from the south pier light in Buffalo Harbor, in waters measuring 20 feet in depth. Despite the severity of the collision, there were no reported casualties.
The swift response of the four crew members aboard the Irene Beauchine played a crucial role in averting further tragedy. They immediately dove overboard and were subsequently rescued by the crew of the tanker Amsterdam Socony.
Following the collision, the Irene Beauchine sank beneath the surface of Lake Erie, coming to rest in the depths of approximately 20 feet of water. The sinking marked the end of the vessel’s long and eventful career. Its legacy lives on through its involvement in significant projects, including the construction of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
The J.L. Miner, later renamed the Irene Beauchine, met a tragic end in a collision on Lake Erie. From its construction in 1880 to its final sinking in 1930, the tug played a noteworthy role in the maritime activities of the Great Lakes. The collision and subsequent sinking serve as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by vessels navigating the waters of Lake Erie. The story of the J.L. Miner/Irene Beauchine stands as a testament to the rich maritime history of the region and the dedication of those who worked on these vessels.
