IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
SITE DESCRIPTION #
The wreck of the O.W. CHENEY lies at a depth of 45 feet in Lake Erie, near Point Abino. The tugboat, measuring 66 feet in length, rests in freshwater at this site. The wreck is relatively accessible to divers, and its location at the given coordinates places it within a known shipwreck area in Lake Erie, which is frequented by divers interested in Great Lakes maritime history. The wreck’s condition and any remaining artifacts are subject to the effects of over a century underwater, with natural preservation factors such as cold freshwater helping to maintain structural elements.
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The O.W. CHENEY was a propeller-driven steam tugboat, a type of vessel designed for towing and maneuvering larger ships, especially in harbors and along busy shipping lanes. Tugboats like the O.W. CHENEY played a critical role in the bustling trade and transportation networks on the Great Lakes, where they were often called upon to assist freighters, barges, and other large vessels in navigating tight or challenging spaces.
HISTORY #
On June 23, 1903, the O.W. CHENEY met its tragic end in the waters of Lake Erie. The tugboat was operating between Buffalo and Point Abino when it was run down by the freighter CHEMUNG during heavy seas. The collision caused the O.W. CHENEY to sink rapidly, claiming the lives of three crew members, including Captain John F. Whelan, fireman Dugan, and steward Andrew Fritzenschaf. Two other crew members, Engineer James T. Byers and John McManus, managed to escape on a life raft and were subsequently rescued by the nearby tug FRANK S. BUTLER.
The exact cause of the collision remains uncertain, though it was speculated that the O.W. CHENEY may have misjudged the distance to the CHEMUNG, leading to the fatal impact. Despite efforts by the crew of the CHEMUNG to assist, the tug sank quickly, leaving little time for a full rescue.
Captain Whelan was well-respected in the Buffalo area, known for his experience and expertise as a tugman. The loss of the O.W. CHENEY marked a significant and tragic event for the Great Lakes Towing Company, which owned the vessel. It was noted as the first serious accident the company had encountered in the Buffalo field, raising concerns about the competitive practices among tugboats, particularly the dangerous habit of racing between towing companies.
Following the sinking, efforts were made to locate the wreck and recover the bodies of the deceased crew members. The tragedy left a deep impact on the families of those lost and underscored the inherent dangers faced by those working on the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The O.W. CHENEY sank rapidly after the collision, coming to rest at the coordinates N 42-50.251, W 79-00.477, near Point Abino in Lake Erie. The wreck site was located approximately eight miles from Elk Creek, Pennsylvania. Despite efforts to recover the bodies of the drowned crew members, no bodies were reported to have been recovered from the wreck.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the O.W. CHENEY. The site is a known wreck location in Lake Erie and may be of interest to divers and maritime historians.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the O.W. CHENEY was located shortly after the vessel’s sinking in 1903. The precise details of the discovery and subsequent surveys are not extensively documented, but the wreck’s coordinates have been established, making it a point of interest for underwater exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- The Great Lakes Towing Company
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Niagara Divers Association
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Lake Erie Shipwreck Map
- Great Lakes Ships
- Erie Reader
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the O.W. CHENEY is a stark reminder of the perils of maritime work on the Great Lakes. The collision with the freighter CHEMUNG during a stormy night in 1903 resulted in the loss of three lives and the destruction of a valuable tugboat. The tragedy had a significant impact on the Great Lakes Towing Company and brought attention to the dangers of competitive practices among tugboat operators. Today, the wreck of the O.W. CHENEY serves as a historical site, preserved in the cold waters of Lake Erie, offering a somber but important glimpse into the maritime history of the region.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Tugboat, Lake Erie, 20th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, Buffalo NY, Point Abino, Great Lakes Towing Company, Storm Wrecks
