Gossoon – Lake Erie Steamer Shipwreck (1899)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Gossoon
• Type: Steam-powered vessel
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Buffalo, New York
• Official Number: Not documented in available sources
• Original Owners: Possibly owned by Dunbar of Buffalo

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Steam-powered vessel, likely with a steel or iron hull typical of late 19th-century steamers. It may have functioned as a harbor steamer or small tug.

Description

The Gossoon was involved in a collision with the tug Conneaut while the tug was towing the stranded whaleback steamer James B. Colgate. The collision resulted from the snapping of the hawser (towline) of the Conneaut, which caused it to plow into the Gossoon, tearing open her hull and leading to her rapid sinking.

History

The Gossoon sank on July 25, 1899, during a routine operation in Lake Erie. At the time of the incident, the vessel was not carrying cargo, and there were no adverse weather conditions reported. The crew survived the incident, and no fatalities were recorded.

Significant Incidents

• The Gossoon was struck by the tug Conneaut after the tug’s hawser snapped.
• The collision resulted in the rapid sinking of the Gossoon.
• There were no casualties reported from the incident.
• Possible recovery of the vessel after sinking has been mentioned, but details are unclear.

Final Disposition

The loss of the Gossoon was classified as a collision. The crew survived the incident, and there are indications that salvage operations may have occurred post-sinking. However, official records regarding the vessel are sparse, lacking detailed registry or casualty entries.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of now, the current condition of the wreck is unknown, and further investigation is needed to determine if any remnants of the vessel remain at the site.

Resources & Links

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The Gossoon sank on July 25, 1899, following an unplanned collision with the tug Conneaut near Buffalo while the latter was assisting the stranded James B. Colgate. The event was brief and resulted in no loss of life. Despite mention of possible recovery, records are sparse. Detailed archival research into registries, newspapers, and salvage operations could reveal her identity and final outcome.