Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Guide
- Type: Wooden propeller tug/towboat (passenger-capable)
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Massena, New York
- Dimensions: 64 ft (19.5 m); 18 ft; 5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 48 Gross Register Tons / 29 Net Register Tons
- Location: Docked near harbor entrance, Oswego, New York
- Official Number: 85 926
- Original Owners: Based out of Cape Vincent, NY
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Guide was a wooden propeller tugboat designed for towing and capable of limited passenger service. It was primarily used in harbor operations.
Description
Constructed in 1884 in Massena, New York, the Guide measured 64 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and had a depth of 5 feet. It was registered at 48 Gross Register Tons and 29 Net Register Tons. The vessel was known for its role in the Oswego harbor region.
History
The Guide entered service as a harbor and tow tug, capable of limited passenger or freight duties. It functioned in the Oswego harbor region under local ownership after serving fleet operators out of Cape Vincent.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: 4 May 1895
- Location: Docked near harbor entrance, Oswego, New York (Lake Ontario)
- Cause of Loss: Destroyed by fire while unattended at night
- Casualties: None—no crew aboard at the time; fire crews—including the Life-Saving Service—responded but could not save her.
Final Disposition
The Guide was burned out, and its remains were likely removed or scrapped following the fire incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck is not present, having been destroyed by fire and subsequent removal of remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”guide-us-85926″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Guide highlights the hazards faced by wooden steam vessels in the late 19th century, particularly the risks associated with dockside fires.
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.
Identification & Vessel Details
- Vessel Name: Guide
- Official Number: 85 926
- Year Built: 1884
- Built At: Massena, New York
- Type: Wooden propeller tug/towboat (passenger-capable)
- Hull Dimensions: 64 ft L × 18 ft beam × 5 ft depth
- Tonnage: 48 Gross Register Tons / 29 Net Register Tons (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Owned At Loss: Based out of Cape Vincent, NY, likely serving the Oswego–Cape Vincent area on Lake Ontario
Operational History
- Entered service as a harbor and tow tug, capable of limited passenger or freight duties
- Functioned in the Oswego harbor region under local ownership after serving fleet operators out of Cape Vincent (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Loss Details
- Date of Loss: 4 May 1895
- Location: Docked near harbor entrance, Oswego, New York (Lake Ontario)
- Cause of Loss: Destroyed by fire while unattended at night
- Casualties: None—no crew aboard at the time; fire crews—including the Life-Saving Service—responded but could not save her (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Historical Significance
- Reflects the prevalence of wooden steam tugs in Great Lakes harbor operations during the late 19th century
- The loss by dockside fire—possibly originating in engine or coal bunkers—highlights the hazards faced by these small steam vessels
- Absence of casualties suggests the fire broke out during layup, likely due to spontaneous combustion or fuel line malfunction
Key Data Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Oswego Harbor, Lake Ontario |
| Vessel Type | Wooden screw tug/towboat |
| Date of Loss | 4 May 1895 |
| Cause | Fire at dock |
| Casualties | None |
| Build Date | 1884 |
| Wreck Status | Burned out, remains removed or scrapped |
Sources for This Report
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (“G” listing for Guide, Official No. 85926) (RootsWeb Freepages, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Research Leads
- Local Newspapers: The Oswego Palladium and Oswego Times issues from early May 1895 may feature detailed fire reports, eyewitness accounts, and salvage attempts.
- U.S. Life-Saving Service Logs: Documentation of the response effort may include official incident and damage reports.
- Maritime Records: Oswego harbor logs or tug fleet records might note her operational role and impact on harbor activity.