Other Names #
- O.A. O’THAYER
History #
The tugboat ALGIE O’THAYER was built in 1872 in Buffalo, NY, with wooden hull construction. It measured approximately 42.7 feet in length, 10.4 feet in beam, and had a depth of 5 feet. The tug had a gross tonnage of 10.
Originally owned by O. D. Thayer from Buffalo, NY, the ALGIE O’THAYER was powered by a screw propulsion system.
In 1879, the tugboat became part of a small fleet belonging to or chartered by Hisckler & Arnold, a company based in Buffalo. It was involved in work on the Lachine Canal in the St. Lawrence River. On November 17, 1879, while returning from this work on Lake Ontario, off Oswego, NY, the ALGIE O’THAYER foundered and sank. The incident likely occurred during its journey back to Oswego to receive improvements for further work on the Lachine Canal.
Following the sinking, the tugboat was thought possibly salvaged by Canadians, though specific details regarding the salvage are not provided in the available historical information.
Later, in 1884, the ALGIE O’THAYER was owned by William McRae from Montreal. It is mentioned that the tugboat was carrying gear when it was lost on November 17, 1889. The exact cause of the loss or the location of the incident is not specified in the available records.
The tugboat ALGIE O’THAYER had a relatively short but eventful history, serving in the Great Lakes region for several years before its unfortunate sinking in Lake Ontario. The vessel played a role in the transportation and maintenance of waterways, particularly the Lachine Canal, contributing to the economic and industrial activities of the region during its operational years.
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