Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James Buckley
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: J. Prescott, Prescott, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 48 ft (14.63 m); Beam: 10 ft; Depth of hold: 3 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 10 tons
- Location: Port Stanley Harbor, Lake Erie, Ontario
- Official Number: 80910
- Original Owners: Brown Bros. (1882), Ainsley & Tibbets (1886)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
VESSEL IDENTIFICATION & DETAILS
Description
The James Buckley served primarily as a small steam tug on the Great Lakes. Despite its modest size, it played a vital role in towing and assisting larger vessels in busy ports like Port Dover and Port Stanley, Ontario.
History
Ownership Timeline:
- 1882: Owned by Brown Bros., likely operating in towing or small freight services.
- 1886: Ownership transferred to Ainsley & Tibbets of Port Dover, Ontario.
Significant Incidents
FINAL INCIDENT
- Date: November 20, 1890
- Location: Port Stanley Harbor, Lake Erie, Ontario
- Cause: Fire
- The vessel caught fire while in harbor and was completely destroyed.
- The origin of the fire is not documented.
- Outcome:
- The James Buckley was declared a total loss.
- No records are available regarding loss of life or any cargo being carried at the time.
Final Disposition
The destruction of the James Buckley serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of wooden vessels to fire, a common hazard in the 19th century. Despite its small size and localized operations, the tug was a key component of the maritime infrastructure, aiding the commerce and transportation networks of the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
POTENTIAL WRECK INFORMATION
- Wreck Location: Likely within the harbor of Port Stanley, Ontario.
- Depth: Not specified but likely shallow due to its location in harbor waters.
Current Condition: Given its destruction by fire, remnants would primarily consist of charred timbers and possibly parts of the steam engine.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”james-buckley-c-80910″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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