Shotline Diving

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A.F. Bowman (City of Oswego) C 116385

Explore the history of the A.F. Bowman, a tugboat with a storied past on the Great Lakes, originally built as the City of Oswego in 1852.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: A.F. Bowman
  • Type: Tugboat (originally a propeller-driven freighter)
  • Year Built: 1852
  • Builder: Unknown
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: Unknown
  • Location: Unknown
  • Coordinates: Unknown
  • Official Number: C116385
  • Original Owners: Robert J. Morill (after conversion)
  • Number of Masts: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

After its initial career as a wooden, propeller-driven freighter, the City of Oswego was converted into a tugboat in 1906 under the guidance of shipbuilder Robert J. Morill. Tugboats like the A.F. Bowman were compact, powerful vessels primarily used for towing and maneuvering larger ships in ports and through restricted waterways. This transition marked a significant shift in the vessel’s purpose and operational lifespan.

Description

Construction and Early Years (1852): Originally launched as the City of Oswego, the vessel was a two-deck propeller freighter serving the Great Lakes region. It had a storied history, including a collision and subsequent sinking in 1852, from which it was salvaged and repurposed.

Conversion to Tug (1906): After decades of service, the ship was extensively rebuilt into a tugboat by Robert J. Morill, reflecting the evolving demands of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Renamed the A.F. Bowman, it was re-registered under Canadian Registry (C116385) and served in this capacity for several decades.

Final Years and Scrapping (1941): The A.F. Bowman was retired and scrapped in 1941, ending its nearly 90-year maritime career—a remarkable lifespan for a wooden vessel. This marked the conclusion of a vessel that had seen numerous transformations and roles across the Great Lakes.

History

SIGNIFICANCE: The story of the A.F. Bowman, formerly the City of Oswego, highlights the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its conversion to a tugboat extended its service life significantly, illustrating the economic and practical value of repurposing older ships to meet changing needs.

Significant Incidents

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) apply, as the vessel was scrapped in 1941, with no remaining wreckage or site identified.

Final Disposition

The A.F. Bowman represents an impressive example of maritime resilience and adaptability. Originally built in 1852, this vessel underwent significant transformations, surviving for nearly nine decades before being scrapped in 1941. Its history offers insights into the evolving needs and ingenuity of Great Lakes shipping industries during a transformative period in maritime history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As the A.F. Bowman was scrapped in 1941, there are no remaining wreckage or site to explore. The vessel’s legacy lives on through historical records and documentation.

Resources & Links

Keywords: A.F. Bowman, City of Oswego, tugboat history, Great Lakes shipping, Robert J. Morill, vessel conversion, maritime resilience.