William Avery

Vessel Type #

The William Avery was a small wooden tugboat, constructed in 1869 for towing operations. Tugboats like the William Avery were essential for assisting larger vessels in navigating harbors, rivers, and shipping lanes. Their role was crucial in congested areas where maneuvering larger vessels was difficult. The compact size and wooden construction of the William Avery were typical of 19th-century tugs, making it efficient for close-quarters operations.

History #

The William Avery had an active service life, primarily operating out of Oswego, New York. By 1876-1879, it was owned by Collins and other partners in Oswego, performing towing operations on Lake Ontario, which was a vital artery for commerce during that time. The William Avery assisted larger ships by towing them into and out of busy harbors, ensuring the smooth flow of trade goods across the region.

On July 20, 1898, while docked in Oswego, the tug William Avery caught fire. Initially, the damage was reported as minor, but over the following days, the situation deteriorated, and by July 30, 1898, the vessel was destroyed by the fire. Fires were a common hazard for wooden vessels of this era, especially those powered by steam engines and prone to overheating.

The vessel was eventually removed from the shipping registry by the year 1900, marking the official end of its career.

Final Disposition #

The William Avery was destroyed by fire on July 30, 1898, while docked in Oswego, New York, on Lake Ontario. The exact cause of the fire is not recorded, but wooden vessels like the William Avery were highly susceptible to fire hazards, particularly due to the presence of steam-powered equipment. Despite initial efforts to salvage the vessel, the tug was declared a total loss.

Located By & Date #

There have been no known efforts to recover or locate the remains of the William Avery, as its destruction by fire and small size likely left little to recover. The wreckage would have been cleared away from the harbor after the incident.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational hazards or Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the William Avery. Since the fire occurred in port and the wreckage was likely cleared away, no advisories remain in effect.