Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Kelderhouse, J.
- Type: Wooden propeller tug/towboat
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 64.2 ft (19.5 m); Beam 15.8 ft; Depth of hold 6.8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 43 gross register tons / 21 net register tons
- Location: Lake Erie, near Dunkirk, NY
- Official Number: 76 567
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The J. Kelderhouse is classified as a wooden propeller tug/towboat, a type of vessel commonly used for towing and harbor operations in the late 19th century.
Description
Built in 1884, the J. Kelderhouse was a wooden tugboat measuring 64.2 feet in length, with a beam of 15.8 feet and a depth of 6.8 feet. It was powered by a high-pressure single-cylinder engine and a firebox boiler, both manufactured in Buffalo, New York.
History
The operational history of the J. Kelderhouse spans from 1884 to 1907. Initially active in Buffalo harbor, it sustained significant fire damage while docked in 1890. It continued operations under the Maytham Tug Line until it stranded near Dunkirk, New York, in 1907, leading to its dismantling.
Significant Incidents
- 1884–1890: Active in Buffalo harbor and towing services.
- 1890, June 20: Sustained significant fire damage while docked at Heffert’s Dock, Buffalo.
- 1899–1900: Continued operations under Maytham Tug Line; suffered minor fire damage at Buffalo in May 1900.
- 1907, April 24: Final incident—stranded near Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie; subsequently dismantled.
Final Disposition
After stranding on April 24, 1907, the J. Kelderhouse was dismantled piece by piece. No wreck remains are present, as the vessel was not left submerged or abandoned underwater.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As there are no remains of the J. Kelderhouse, there are no diving opportunities or wreckage to explore.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-kelderhouse-us-76567″ title=”References & Links”]
The J. Kelderhouse serves as a historical example of late-19th-century wooden tugs, reflecting the operational hazards of steam propulsion and the practices of vessel dismantling during that era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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