IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The T.J. Waffle was a steam-powered vessel, built primarily for transport and general cargo purposes on the Great Lakes. These types of steamers were common in the early 20th century and were integral to the economy of the region, moving goods and people between various ports.
HISTORY #
The T.J. Waffle was built in 1914 in Westport, Ontario, and initially owned by T.J. & W.J. Waffle from Smiths Falls. Ownership of the vessel changed hands several times, with A. Foster acquiring it in 1916 and J. Swift & Co. of Kingston, Ontario, taking ownership in 1919. The vessel served the Great Lakes, facilitating trade and transportation across the waters.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On September 22, 1919, the T.J. Waffle encountered heavy weather while traveling from Fairhaven, New York, to Kingston, Ontario. The steamer went missing, and tragically, eight people lost their lives in the incident. Wreckage from the ship was later found washed ashore at Burt Point near Oswego, New York. The severely damaged wreckage led to speculation that the steamer may have exploded its boiler or been violently tossed around by the storm.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
After 101 years of mystery, the wreck of the T.J. Waffle was believed to have been discovered by Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber on August 22, 2020. The wreck was located over twenty miles off the coast of Oswego, New York. The site exhibited signs of a violent end, consistent with the initial theories about the vessel’s demise.
THE VICTIMS #
Among those who perished were:
- Captain Charles Beaupre
- William Switzer
- Engineer Russel David
- Mate William Sweet and his wife, Mrs. William Sweet
The identities of the other crew members who died in the sinking remain unknown.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) in effect related to the wreck of the T.J. Waffle.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- www.sonarguy.com
