Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Doughboy (originally Arthur D)
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 49 ft length × 14 ft beam × 7 ft depth; approx. 21 GRT, 10 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 21 GRT, 10 NRT
- Location: Tonawanda Creek, tributary of the Niagara River
- Official Number: 106640
- Original Owners: Cowles Shipyard Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Doughboy was a wooden propeller steam tug, originally built as the Arthur D in 1889. It served primarily in the Lake Erie basin.
Description
The Doughboy measured 49 feet in length, 14 feet in beam, and had a depth of 7 feet. It was registered at approximately 21 gross registered tons (GRT) and 10 net registered tons (NRT). The vessel was owned by Cowles Shipyard Co. and was primarily used for towing and other maritime services.
History
Constructed in 1889 in Buffalo, New York, the Doughboy was initially named Arthur D before being renamed in 1920. The tug was a part of the Cowles Shipyard fleet and was known for its wooden construction and steam-powered propulsion.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: On August 30, 1921, while docked in Tonawanda Creek, the tug caught fire, likely due to a lightning strike. Firefighters faced challenges accessing the dock, leading to the vessel being consumed by flames and sinking.
- Casualties: There were no reported injuries or fatalities during the incident.
Final Disposition
The Doughboy burned to the waterline and sank in place. It was not re-entered into the registry post-fire and was withdrawn from official records. Due to extensive fire damage, no successful recovery of the hull or equipment was made.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Doughboy remains submerged in Tonawanda Creek. Its condition is likely affected by the fire damage and the surrounding environment. Further exploration may reveal remnants of the vessel.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”doughboy-us-106640-arthur-d” title=”References & Links”]
The Doughboy, a 32-year-old wooden tug, was destroyed by fire on August 30, 1921, while awaiting repairs. The incident resulted in a total loss of the vessel, with no casualties reported. Investigating fire and shipyard records could provide more insights into the circumstances surrounding this maritime disaster.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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