Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Curlew
- Type: Wooden River Tug
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: C.J. Rose, Ogdensburg, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 77.0 ft (23.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage (Original): 63.06 tons; Net Tonnage (Original): 31.53 tons; Gross Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 84.6 tons; Net Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 57.53 tons
- Location:
- Official Number: C 122178 (formerly U 5965)
- Original Owners: Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co. (1924–1933)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type Description
The Curlew was a wooden-hulled river tug, built for towing and navigation tasks on the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes. Its round stern design and robust single-cylinder engine made it well-suited for the dynamic and demanding conditions of these waterways. Over its service life, the Curlew underwent significant rebuilds, reflecting its adaptability and utility in various maritime roles.
Description
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Curlew (formerly U 5965)
- Type: Wooden River Tug
- Official Number: C 122178 (formerly U 5965)
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: C.J. Rose, Ogdensburg, New York
- Construction: Wooden hull, round stern design
- Dimensions: Length: 77.0 ft (23.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Gross Tonnage (Original): 63.06 tons
- Net Tonnage (Original): 31.53 tons
- Gross Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 84.6 tons
- Net Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 57.53 tons
- Engine: High-pressure single-cylinder engine (80 indicated horsepower, 10.6 rated horsepower)
- Final Ownership: Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co. (1924–1933)
- Final Disposition: Scuttled in 1933
- Registry Closed: November 28, 1936
History
History
- Built in 1867 by C.J. Rose in Ogdensburg, New York, the Curlew started its career as a versatile workhorse for riverine and lake transportation.
- Initially owned by its builder, the tug facilitated commerce in the bustling shipping lanes of the St. Lawrence River.
Ownership Changes & Rebuilds
- 1875: Sold to Hall and Gardiner, and subsequently in 1880 to George Hall.
- 1901: Underwent its first major rebuild at the St. Lawrence Marine Railway in Ogdensburg. This rebuild significantly increased its gross and net tonnage, enhancing its cargo and towing capabilities.
- After the rebuild, ownership passed to the Montreal Transportation Co. The tug continued operations on the Great Lakes.
- 1907: Suffered a sinking incident but was successfully salvaged. Later sold to J.D. Morrison of Port Arthur, Ontario, where it underwent another rebuild.
- 1908: Sold to the Great Lakes Dredge Co, taking on a vital role in dredging and waterway maintenance across the Great Lakes.
- Through the 1920s, the Curlew experienced multiple ownership transitions, including possible ownership by J. O’Brien of Ottawa in 1920.
- By 1924, ownership returned to the Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co. which utilized the tug for industrial maritime operations.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1907: Sinking incident, successfully salvaged.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
- After decades of service and multiple rebuilds, the Curlew was scuttled in 1933, marking the end of its operational life.
- The tug’s registry was officially closed on November 28, 1936, confirming its retirement from maritime service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Curlew remains submerged, and divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving ethics. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring the site is left better than found.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”curlew-c-122178-us-5965″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Conclusion
The Curlew stands as a storied example of the hardworking tugboats that were the backbone of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce. Despite its scuttling in 1933, its rich history of adaptability, endurance, and service lives on as a tribute to the maritime heritage of North America.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Curlew (formerly U 5965)
- Type: Wooden River Tug
- Official Number: C 122178 (formerly U 5965)
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: C.J. Rose, Ogdensburg, New York
- Construction: Wooden hull, round stern design
- Dimensions:
- Length: 77.0 feet (23.5 meters)
- Gross Tonnage (Original): 63.06 tons
- Net Tonnage (Original): 31.53 tons
- Gross Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 84.6 tons
- Net Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 57.53 tons
- Engine: High-pressure single-cylinder engine (80 indicated horsepower, 10.6 rated horsepower)
- Final Ownership: Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co. (1924–1933)
- Final Disposition: Scuttled in 1933
- Registry Closed: November 28, 1936
Vessel Type Description
The Curlew was a wooden-hulled river tug, built for towing and navigation tasks on the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes. Its round stern design and robust single-cylinder engine made it well-suited for the dynamic and demanding conditions of these waterways. Over its service life, the Curlew underwent significant rebuilds, reflecting its adaptability and utility in various maritime roles.
History
- Built in 1867 by C.J. Rose in Ogdensburg, New York, the Curlew started its career as a versatile workhorse for riverine and lake transportation.
- Initially owned by its builder, the tug facilitated commerce in the bustling shipping lanes of the St. Lawrence River.
Ownership Changes & Rebuilds
- 1875: Sold to Hall and Gardiner, and subsequently in 1880 to George Hall.
- 1901: Underwent its first major rebuild at the St. Lawrence Marine Railway in Ogdensburg. This rebuild significantly increased its gross and net tonnage, enhancing its cargo and towing capabilities.
- After the rebuild, ownership passed to the Montreal Transportation Co., and the tug continued operations on the Great Lakes.
- 1907: Suffered a sinking incident but was successfully salvaged. Later sold to J.D. Morrison of Port Arthur, Ontario, where it underwent another rebuild.
- 1908: Sold to the Great Lakes Dredge Co., taking on a vital role in dredging and waterway maintenance across the Great Lakes.
- Through the 1920s, the Curlew experienced multiple ownership transitions, including possible ownership by J. O’Brien of Ottawa in 1920.
- By 1924, ownership returned to the Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co., which utilized the tug for industrial maritime operations.
Final Disposition
- After decades of service and multiple rebuilds, the Curlew was scuttled in 1933, marking the end of its operational life.
- The tug’s registry was officially closed on November 28, 1936, confirming its retirement from maritime service.
Legacy of the Curlew
The Curlew’s service history is a testament to the resilience and importance of tugs in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime industries. Its long operational life, marked by significant rebuilds and diverse roles, reflects the evolving demands of the waterways during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Curlew played a critical part in supporting commerce, dredging, and infrastructure development. Its legacy serves as a representation of the ingenuity and adaptability of wooden river tugs during an era of rapid industrial and technological change.
Key Resources
- Beeson’s Marine Directory (1917)
- Bureau Veritas Great Lakes Register (1915)
- Canada List of Shipping (Various Years)
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1896)
- Canadian Railway & Marine World (March 1906)
- McCormick Wishbone Fleet
Conclusion
The Curlew stands as a storied example of the hardworking tugboats that were the backbone of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce. Despite its scuttling in 1933, its rich history of adaptability, endurance, and service lives on as a tribute to the maritime heritage of North America.
Tags:
#Curlew #GreatLakesTugboat #MaritimeHistory #WoodenTug #StLawrenceRiver #GreatLakesCommerce #ShipRebuilds #ScuttledVessels
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