Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Frank C. Barnes (previously J.C. Osgood)
- Type: Wooden Tugboat
- Year Built: 1868 (as J.C. Osgood); reconstructed as Frank C. Barnes in 1892
- Builder: Nelson Thorsen in Manistee, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 66.7 ft (20.3 m); Beam: 16.3 ft (5.0 m); Depth of hold: 7.2 ft (2.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 46 tons
- Location: Lake Ontario, three miles southeast of Gull Pond, near Oswego, New York
- Official Number: US 120894; C 116386
- Original Owners: Various, including Canada Steamship Lines
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Frank C. Barnes was a small but durable wooden tugboat, primarily designed for towing and assisting larger vessels. Initially built as the J.C. Osgood in 1868, the tug underwent significant reconstruction in 1892, becoming the Frank C. Barnes. With a single deck and modest dimensions, it was a typical example of the utility tugboats that played a critical role in navigating and towing vessels through the Great Lakes’ challenging waters.
Description
The Frank C. Barnes was first constructed in 1868 as the J.C. Osgood, operating in the bustling waters of the Great Lakes. In 1892, the vessel was rebuilt, gaining the new name Frank C. Barnes and a new lease on life. Its primary function remained as a tug, assisting other vessels in transport and navigation, often under harsh conditions.
History
The Frank C. Barnes changed ownership several times, serving under both U.S. and Canadian registrations. Its U.S. official number was 120894, while in Canada, it operated under 116386 starting in 1906. The tug was employed by various companies, including the Canada Steamship Lines, which acquired it shortly before its final voyage.
Significant Incidents
Final Voyage and Tragic End: On November 1, 1915, the Frank C. Barnes departed Port Dalhousie, Ontario, bound for Montreal via the St. Lawrence River. Heavy storms rolled across Lake Ontario during the journey, and the vessel failed to arrive at its destination. Speculation arose that the Frank C. Barnes was unseaworthy when it departed Toronto. Reports indicated the tug had not been inspected for two years and was suspected to be in a leaky condition. On November 2, the tug was last seen three miles southeast of Gull Pond. The vessel and its crew of five were lost without a distress signal being received.
Discovery of Debris and Bodies: The wreckage of the pilothouse was found offshore near Oswego, New York. The body of Captain Herbert LaRush, hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, was discovered 30 miles from the Niagara River’s mouth. Despite investigations, the exact cause of the sinking remains undetermined. The Buffalo Daily Courier reported on July 7, 1916, that Dominion Wreck Commissioner Demers had conducted hearings in Toronto regarding the tug’s loss, focusing on its suspected leaky condition.
Final Disposition
The Frank C. Barnes remains missing, with the main wreckage never definitively located. The vessel likely lies at an unknown depth in Lake Ontario, southeast of Gull Pond. The only recovered artifacts from the wreck include parts of the pilothouse and the body of Captain LaRush.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Frank C. Barnes wreck site. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when operating near Gull Pond and Oswego, as the area has been historically associated with wreck sites.
Resources & Links
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The Frank C. Barnes, a rebuilt tug with a long service history, represents a tragic chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. Its loss during a fierce November storm highlights the inherent risks faced by vessels on these inland seas. The tug’s suspected unseaworthiness raises questions about maritime safety standards of the era. The missing wreck, likely resting deep in Lake Ontario, remains a poignant reminder of the perils of the Great Lakes and the lives lost in pursuit of commerce and transportation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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