Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: D. J. Foley
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Approximately 15 miles off Charlotte, New York
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The D. J. Foley was a steam-powered tugboat, a vessel type commonly used in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century for towing and assisting larger ships, as well as for general harbor duties.
Description
Specific details regarding the vessel’s dimensions and construction are not provided in the available sources. However, as a steam-powered tug built in 1872, the D. J. Foley would have featured a sturdy hull and powerful engines designed for towing operations across the Great Lakes.
History
On July 1, 1890, the D. J. Foley was en route from Charlotte, New York, to Chicago, Illinois, towing the schooner American Union and carrying a cargo of 748 tons of coal. Approximately 15 miles out from Charlotte, the tug caught fire. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the vessel was consumed by the flames and ultimately sank. One crew member lost his life in the incident. The schooner American Union was successfully cast off and avoided damage.
Significant Incidents
- July 1, 1890: The D. J. Foley caught fire while towing the schooner American Union, leading to its sinking approximately 15 miles off Charlotte, New York.
- One crew member lost his life in the incident.
Final Disposition
Following the fire and sinking in 1890, the D. J. Foley was deemed a total loss. There is no information available regarding salvage operations or the recovery of cargo.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Specific details about the discovery or exploration of the D. J. Foley’s wreck site are not provided in the available sources.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the D. J. Foley in 1890 underscores the hazards faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly the risks associated with onboard fires. The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and the challenges of emergency response during that era. The D. J. Foley’s story contributes to the broader understanding of maritime history in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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