CHARLES F. FOSTER

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: CHARLES F. FOSTER
Type: Iron Ore Barge
Date of Incident: December 9, 1900
Location: Approximately 10 miles off Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie
Depth: Not specified; wreck was later observed with its mast projecting 5 feet above the water
Condition: Sunk rapidly during a severe winter gale; wreck remains partially submerged and is a hazard to navigation

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The CHARLES F. FOSTER was a wooden schooner barge built in 1876 in Milan, Ohio. Designed primarily for carrying bulk cargoes like iron ore, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 997.84 tons. Its dimensions were 227.0 feet in length, 36.0 feet in beam, and 15.0 feet in depth. The barge was part of the fleet owned by James Corrigan of Cleveland, Ohio, and was commonly towed by steamers such as the IRON DUKE, which it was in tow of during its final voyage.

HISTORY #

Launched in 1876, the CHARLES F. FOSTER served for over two decades as an essential component of the Great Lakes shipping industry, transporting large quantities of iron ore and other bulk materials. On December 9, 1900, the vessel was en route from Duluth to Erie, carrying 1,000 tons of iron ore. During a severe winter gale on Lake Erie, the towline between the FOSTER and its towing steamer, the IRON DUKE, parted as the barge plunged into a large wave. The FOSTER rapidly sank, resulting in the tragic loss of all eight crew members aboard.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The CHARLES F. FOSTER sank without warning in the icy waters of Lake Erie, approximately 10 miles off the coast of Erie, Pennsylvania. Despite efforts to locate survivors, none were found, and the crew was presumed to have perished. The wreck was later sighted by Capt. William S. Hoag of the steamer JAMES B. NEILSON, who reported that it was a dangerous obstruction to vessels, with one mast still visible above the water at a 45-degree angle.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

The wreck was identified as a significant hazard to navigation. No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to this wreck site are mentioned in the report, but historically, its location was marked as dangerous.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck was first sighted shortly after the sinking on the route from Buffalo to Cleveland, approximately 7 miles offshore and between 6 and 7 miles west of the Erie Peninsula.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The current condition of the CHARLES F. FOSTER is unknown, but it was initially reported to be partially submerged, with the wreck presenting a navigational hazard. Given the passage of time, the vessel may have further deteriorated, but remnants could still pose a risk to vessels in the area. Accessibility to the wreck site may be limited due to the depth and location, and any diving exploration should be approached with caution due to the potential hazards.

8. RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical reports from maritime records, survivor accounts, and contemporary newspaper articles.
Further Reading: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Google Books for additional historical context related to Lake Erie shipwrecks.

9. CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the CHARLES F. FOSTER on December 9, 1900, highlights the severe risks associated with late-season navigation on the Great Lakes. The rapid and unexplained sinking of a vessel deemed seaworthy underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of Great Lakes storms, particularly in winter. The loss of the eight crew members aboard the FOSTER adds to the tragic history of maritime disasters on Lake Erie, marking it as one of the significant shipwrecks in the region’s history.