Construction and Early Service
The William S. Bull was a wooden steam tug built in 1861 in Buffalo, New York. With a tonnage of 16 tons, it was a relatively small vessel, designed for towing and assisting larger ships, particularly on the busy waters of Lake Erie. The steam tug was a crucial component of the maritime industry during the mid-19th century, providing essential services such as towing canal boats, barges, and other vessels, especially in harbors and narrow channels.
The Final Voyage and Sinking
On August 22, 1863, the William S. Bull was bound from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Buffalo, New York, accompanied by the tug G.W. Gardner and the canal boat M.E. Paine. During the voyage, the vessels encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. The small steam tug struggled against the storm’s intensity and eventually became waterlogged. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the William S. Bull foundered approximately 40 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Fortunately, there were no casualties as a result of the sinking. The crew of the William S. Bull was rescued by the G.W. Gardner and the M.E. Paine, demonstrating the camaraderie and quick action typical among sailors during such perilous situations. However, the tug was lost to the depths of Lake Erie, with no efforts made to recover the vessel.
Legacy and Remembrance
The sinking of the William S. Bull in 1863 is a reminder of the constant dangers faced by even the most robust vessels on the Great Lakes. The steam tug, like many others of its kind, played a vital role in the maritime trade and transportation network of the region, assisting larger vessels and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the inland seas.
While the William S. Bull was a relatively small and perhaps unremarkable vessel in the grander scheme of Great Lakes shipping, its loss adds to the historical tapestry of the era. The fact that the tug foundered during a storm, unable to withstand the forces of nature, highlights the vulnerability of these essential workboats. The vessel’s crew, fortunately rescued, survived to tell the tale, but the tug itself remains on the lakebed, a silent witness to the power of Lake Erie’s storms.
Resources & Links
Keywords
William S. Bull, steam tug, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Erie Pennsylvania, Buffalo New York, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, shipwreck remembrance.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research into the William S. Bull may reveal more details about the construction and service history of the vessel, as well as any surviving documentation that could provide insights into its final voyage. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the William S. Bull is integrated into its historical narrative.
