Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Frank L. Bapst
- Type: Steam Screw Vessel
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 59.4 ft (18.1 m); Beam: 17.3 ft (5.3 m); Depth of hold: 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 42.39 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2.1 m / 6.9 ft
- Location: Buffalo, New York
- Original Owners: Conlon Canal Line
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Steam Screw Vessel
Description
The Frank L. Bapst was originally launched in 1895, built for towing operations on the Great Lakes. It played a significant role in the transportation of goods and other vessels, serving as a tow service vessel in the Buffalo maritime community.
History
The vessel was renamed Squaw in 1915, continuing its operations with a crew of three. Later, it was recorded as C.F. Coughlin in the 1925 Merchant Vessel List, owned by the Conlon Canal Line. Its series of name changes reflect its evolving ownership and function within the Great Lakes maritime industry.
Significant Incidents
- The vessel served primarily on the Great Lakes, assisting in towing operations.
- It underwent several name changes: from Frank L. Bapst to Squaw in 1915, and finally to C.F. Coughlin.
Final Disposition
The ultimate fate of the Frank L. Bapst / Squaw / C.F. Coughlin is not well-documented. It is unknown whether the vessel was scrapped, lost, or abandoned. Given its era of operation, it likely ended its service through decommissioning or scrapping.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Efforts to trace its wreckage or remains have not yielded definitive results, leaving its current condition and location uncertain.
Resources & Links
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The Frank L. Bapst, later known as Squaw and C.F. Coughlin, served as a steadfast workhorse on the Great Lakes. While its final disposition remains a mystery, its legacy is preserved in the historical records of Great Lakes maritime commerce.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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