Guide – Lake Ontario Tug Shipwreck (1895)

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

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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.