On October 29, 1951, one of the worst marine disasters in Buffalo’s history occurred, involving two vessels, the Morania #130 and the steamer Penobscot. The Morania #130 was a 4,000-ton, 120 feet (37 meters) freight barge that operated on the Great Lakes. On that fateful day, the barge was carrying a massive cargo of 800,000 US gallons (3,000,000 liters; 670,000 imperial gallons) of gasoline.
Tragedy struck when the diesel tug M/V Dauntless #12 pushed the Morania #130 into the path of the steamer Penobscot, which was proceeding seaward after unloading grain at Buffalo, New York. The collision between the barge and the steamer resulted in a disastrous situation. The steamer tried to back away, but in the process, a spark ignited the volatile cargo of gasoline aboard the barge.
The ignition of the gasoline caused a massive and deadly fire. The blaze quickly engulfed the barge, leading to a horrifying scene. Tragically, 11 sailors lost their lives in the fire, including two crew members from the steamer Penobscot.
The fire on the Morania #130 raged for several days, turning the Buffalo River into a scene of devastation and horror. Thousands of spectators watched in shock and sorrow as the tragic events unfolded before them.
The disaster had a profound impact on the city of Buffalo, and it remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed the devastation and loss of life. The collision and subsequent fire were a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and the potential risks involved in maritime operations, particularly when dealing with hazardous cargo.
The incident served as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures and precautions in maritime transportation to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The memory of the Morania #130 and Penobscot disaster stands as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those who brave the waters in the pursuit of their work and livelihood.
