The propeller steam tug “TOM COCHRANE,” known by its single name, met an unfortunate fate with no other aliases attached to its identity. It lacked an official number for reference. Constructed in 1861 by Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, this wooden vessel had specifications indicating a weight of 14 tons.
Tragedy struck on October 27, 1862, when the TOM COCHRANE, faced its demise off the shores of Sturgeon Point, situated just west of Buffalo, within the waters of Lake Erie. The vessel, en route from Buffalo to Chicago, managed to cover only a few miles before becoming stranded on the rocks of Sturgeon Point. This unfortunate incident transpired amidst foggy weather conditions.
Despite the vessel’s untimely grounding, there were no reported casualties among the crew. Ingeniously, the crew members managed to save themselves by floating ashore on a cabin door, a remarkable feat in dire circumstances. It’s worth noting that another tug was rumored to have suffered a similar fate, being lost at Port Colborne on November 1, 1862, resulting in the tragic loss of 17 lives.
The historical record further elaborates that the TOM COCHRANE, met its end due to the adverse conditions of fog and rocky terrain. The vessel struck a rock near Point Abino, which ultimately led to its sinking and total loss. The unfortunate incident was recorded and reported in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser on January 26, 1863, specifically mentioned in the Casualty List of 1862. Additionally, the Buffalo Daily Courier provided an account of the incident, noting that the tug’s captain and crew were able to save themselves by using the cabin doors as makeshift flotation devices.
Source:
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, January 26, 1863 (Casualty List, 1862)
- Buffalo Daily Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1862
