Construction and Specifications
The vessel known as John J. Boland Jr. was originally launched in 1928 under the name Tyneville. Built by the renowned shipbuilding firm Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, this steel bulk freighter was a modern and robust vessel designed to transport heavy cargoes across the Atlantic and Great Lakes. Measuring 253 feet in length, 44 feet in beam, and 24 feet in depth, the Tyneville was a sizeable ship, built to handle large loads with efficiency and reliability.
Equipped with a screw propulsion system powered by a triple expansion engine, the vessel was capable of navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The engine featured three cylinders with dimensions of 15 inches, 25 inches, and 40 inches, and a stroke of 33 inches, providing the necessary power to move substantial cargoes like coal and ore. With a gross tonnage of 1,939 tons, the vessel was well-suited for the demands of the shipping industry during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Ownership and Name Change
The vessel initially served under the British flag with the official number 149467 and was known as the Tyneville. However, in 1929, just a year after its launch, the ship was sold to the Sarnia Steamship Company of St. Catharines, Canada. Following the acquisition, the vessel was renamed John J. Boland Jr., in honor of a prominent figure associated with the company or its operations. Under its new name, the vessel continued to serve as a bulk freighter, transporting vital commodities like coal across the Great Lakes.
The Storm and Tragic Loss
On October 5, 1932, the John J. Boland Jr. embarked on what would become its final voyage. The vessel was loaded with coal and was en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Hamilton, Ontario. As the freighter made its way across Lake Erie, it encountered a violent gale that unleashed treacherous conditions. The storm brought with it powerful winds and towering waves, which proved too much for the ship to withstand.
During the storm, the John J. Boland Jr. capsized and quickly foundered, leaving the crew with little time to react. The ship’s rapid sinking made it nearly impossible for the crew to deploy lifeboats. Of the 19 crew members on board, only 15 managed to survive by clinging to an upturned lifeboat. These survivors were eventually rescued after enduring the harrowing ordeal. Tragically, four crew members lost their lives, unable to escape the sinking vessel in time.
Legacy and Remembrance
The loss of the John J. Boland Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s sinking on October 5, 1932, was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers faced by those who navigated these waters, particularly during the stormy seasons. The loss of four crew members underscores the risks inherent in maritime transport, even for a modern steel bulk freighter like the John J. Boland Jr.
Despite its brief service life, the John J. Boland Jr.’s story is preserved in maritime history, serving as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who faced the unforgiving elements on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s wreck, lying somewhere at the bottom of Lake Erie, remains a silent witness to the tragedy that unfolded on that stormy October day.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- YouTube – Potential documentaries or video content related to the sinking
- Wrecks and Reefs – Information on the wreck site
Keywords
John J. Boland Jr., Tyneville, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, steel bulk freighter, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, Sarnia Steamship, triple expansion engine, 1932 sinking.
