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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”gossoon-1899″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Vessel Name: Gossoon
- Built / Official No.: Not documented in available sources
- Type: Steam-powered vessel
- Location: Buffalo, New York / Lake Erie
- Final Voyage & Loss Date: July 25, 1899
Incident & Cause
- Gossoon was passing in front of the powerful tug Conneaut, which was engaged in towing the stranded whaleback steamer James B. Colgate.
- The hawser (towline) of the Conneaut snapped under strain. The resulting momentum of the tug caused it to plow into Gossoon, tearing open her hull and causing her to sink quickly.
- Reportedly, Gossoon may have been recovered afterward.
- Casualties: None recorded, and the collision did not yield fatalities.
- Cargo / Conditions: The vessel was not carrying cargo at the time, and no adverse weather or other contributing factors were mentioned. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Vessel Characteristics
- Steam propulsion—likely steel or iron hull typical of late 19th-century steamers
- Could have been a harbor steamer or small tug, possibly owned by Dunbar of Buffalo
Final Disposition
- Type of Loss: Collision
- Crew Status: Survived
- Recovery: Possible salvage after sinking
- Official Records: Listed without detailed registry or official casualty entries
Research Gaps & Recommended Next Actions
| Area | Action |
|---|---|
| Hull & Specs | Search Buffalo port enrollment logs (circa 1897–1899) for Gossoon—dimensions, official number, ownership |
| Crew and Operator | Identify “Dunbar of Buffalo” in marine registries or directories |
| Newspaper Archives | Look into Buffalo Evening News, Buffalo Express around late July 1899 for collision accounts |
| Harbor Logs | Access records of tow operations involving Conneaut and James B. Colgate for collision descriptions |
| Wreck Site Verification | Determine if salvage occurred and whether wreck remnants remain—consult local tug or salvage service records |
Conclusion
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.
gossoon-1899 1899-07-25 12:03:00