The Fiery End of an Oil Screw Fish Tug
In the annals of maritime history, tales of vessels lost to fire evoke a sense of tragedy and devastation. The J.J. Carroll, an oil screw fish tug, met its untimely demise on November 7, 1929, when a fire engulfed the vessel during its journey to the fishing grounds. In this article, we explore the construction, history, and final moments of the J.J. Carroll, a vessel that fell victim to the destructive force of fire on Lake Erie.
The J.J. Carroll was built in 1925 by LaFountain in Sandusky, Ohio. This oil screw fish tug had dimensions of 59.25 feet in length, 15.50 feet in width, and a depth of 5.42 feet. Registered under the United States flag, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 77 tons and a net tonnage of 68 tons. The J.J. Carroll was primarily engaged in fishing operations on Lake Erie, carrying fishing gear essential for its trade.
On November 7, 1929, the J.J. Carroll departed from Sandusky, Ohio, bound for the fishing grounds. However, tragedy struck when an unknown cause sparked a fire aboard the vessel. The two crewmen aboard valiantly fought to control the blaze, but their efforts proved futile as the fire reached one of the fuel tanks, leading to a catastrophic explosion. The vessel quickly succumbed to the flames and sank near Fish Point, close to Pelee Island. Fortunately, despite the destruction of the vessel, there were no reported casualties.
The J.J. Carroll, an oil screw fish tug that once sailed the waters of Lake Erie, met its devastating end on November 7, 1929. The vessel’s final voyage turned into a nightmare when a fire broke out, consuming the tug and leading to its eventual explosion and sinking near Fish Point. While the crew’s valiant efforts were unable to save the vessel, their lives were spared in the tragic incident. The J.J. Carroll serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those involved in maritime operations and the unpredictable nature of fire at sea.
