The M.J. CUMMINGS, with the U.S. registration number 91329, had a relatively short but eventful history. The tugboat was launched on May 4, 1881, in Oswego, New York. A few weeks later, on June 16, it was enrolled in Oswego. The vessel was built by ‘Brow’ Morgan, following the same model and dimensions as another boat, the ELIZA J. REDFORD, which had been launched the previous week. The M.J. CUMMINGS measured 65 feet in length overall, with a beam of 14 feet 6 inches and a depth of hold of 7 feet 9 inches.
The launch of the M.J. CUMMINGS drew a large crowd of onlookers, who expressed their wishes for the success of the boat and its namesake, Captain Timothy Donovan. The tug was regarded as a handsome vessel and was expected to be ready for operation within two weeks.
However, the M.J. CUMMINGS faced a tragic fate. It is unclear whether it occurred in 1892 or 1893, but the tugboat was destroyed by fire. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are not provided in the available information. As a result of the devastation, the enrollment of the M.J. CUMMINGS was surrendered on May 20, 1894, in Oswego, with records stating that it was “wrecked – documents lost.”
The M.J. CUMMINGS had a modest size, with a gross tonnage of 34.75 tons and a net tonnage of 17.37 tons. It served as a steam screw vessel and was registered in Oswego, New York, as its home port. Despite its untimely end, the launch of the M.J. CUMMINGS marked an important moment in its history, with hopes and aspirations for its successful career echoing among the spectators present during its launch.
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