1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The PADDY MURPHY was a tugboat (towboat) built in 1882 in Saugatuck, Michigan. The vessel was designed specifically for towing operations in Chicago, Illinois, where it initially served under the ownership of Patrick Murphy and Henry Gilman. The tug was a screw-propelled vessel, measuring 68.8 feet (21 meters) in length, with a beam of 17.4 feet (5.3 meters) and a depth of 8.9 feet (2.7 meters). The PADDY MURPHY was a relatively small but robust vessel, typical of tugboats used during this era to assist in moving larger ships or barges within harbors and along coastal waters.
3. HISTORY #
Launched in 1882, the PADDY MURPHY operated out of Chicago, Illinois, providing essential towing services. The vessel changed ownership in 1888 when it was acquired by Thomas Axworthy of Cleveland, Ohio. Unfortunately, this change in ownership preceded the tugboat’s untimely demise. On April 23, 1888, while towing the schooner Republic to Lorain, Ohio, the PADDY MURPHY caught fire off Dover Bay, located west of Cleveland. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the fire consumed the tug, burning it to the water’s edge and resulting in its total loss.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The PADDY MURPHY was destroyed by fire on April 23, 1888, in Dover Bay, Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel was towing the schooner Republic when it caught fire and was unable to be saved. The tug burned down to the waterline and was ultimately lost in approximately 10 feet (3 meters) of water at the coordinates 41°29.576’N, 81°56.431’W. The fire marked the end of the PADDY MURPHY’s operational life, and the wreck was left in situ.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are related to the wreck of the PADDY MURPHY. The wreck is located in shallow water and poses minimal risk to navigation today.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the PADDY MURPHY is located at the coordinates 41°29.576’N, 81°56.431’W in approximately 10 feet (3 meters) of water. The site is near Bay Village, Ohio, in the Cleveland area of Lake Erie.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The PADDY MURPHY wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible for divers. However, given the fire that consumed the vessel, the remains are likely to be severely charred and deteriorated. The wreck’s location in a well-trafficked area near Cleveland means that it may have been disturbed or scavenged over the years.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The PADDY MURPHY’s story is a reminder of the hazards faced by small working vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during the late 19th century. The fire that destroyed the tug was a common peril for steam-powered vessels of the time, as onboard fires could easily spread and overwhelm these relatively small ships. Despite its tragic end, the PADDY MURPHY played a vital role in the maritime economy, contributing to the safe and efficient movement of goods across Lake Erie.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the PADDY MURPHY lies in shallow water, which makes it a potentially interesting dive site for those exploring the Cleveland area of Lake Erie. Divers should be cautious of the wreck’s fragile state due to the fire damage and the passage of time. Given the location near shore, visibility may vary, and divers should be prepared for potential low visibility conditions. It is advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before diving on the site.
TAGS #
- Lake Erie
- 19th Century
- Tugboat
- Cleveland
- Maritime History
CONCLUSION #
The PADDY MURPHY, a tugboat built in 1882 and lost to a fire in 1888, represents a significant chapter in the history of small working vessels on the Great Lakes. Despite its short service life, the vessel’s role in towing operations was crucial to the maritime economy of the time. Its loss in Dover Bay near Cleveland, Ohio, serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners and the unpredictability of life on the water. The wreck remains a point of interest for maritime historians and divers alike.
