Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James Buckley
- Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner-Barge
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: J. Samson (or Simson), Quebec City, Canada
- Dimensions: 161 ft (49 m); Beam 32 ft; Depth of hold 11 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 442 tons
- Location: Off the coast of Jefferson County, New York
- Official Number: C85717
- Original Owners: Ogdensburg Coal Company, Prescott, Ontario, Canada
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The James Buckley was a two-masted wooden schooner-barge, primarily used for transporting bulk freight, particularly coal, across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Description
The James Buckley was built in 1884 and measured 161 feet in length, 32 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11 feet. It had a gross and net tonnage of 442 tons. The vessel was designed to be towed by tugboats, often traveling in consort with other barges.
History
The James Buckley played a significant role in the coal trade, transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. It was owned by the Ogdensburg Coal Company and was part of a fleet that relied on towing vessels for propulsion.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: October 16, 1912
- Location: Off the coast of Jefferson County, New York, Lake Ontario
- The James Buckley was part of a tow departing Oswego, New York, with four other barges when a sudden gale caused the tow line to part.
- The vessel was driven into shallow waters and suffered irreparable damage, leading to its total loss.
- All crew members were rescued by the tug William Proctor.
Final Disposition
The James Buckley was declared a total loss after being irreparably damaged by the storm. It sank in shallow waters off Jefferson County, New York, with no casualties among the crew.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the James Buckley is likely fragmented due to storm damage and time. It is located in shallow waters, making it potentially accessible to recreational divers. Remnants of the wooden hull and possibly some cargo may still be present.
Resources & Links
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The story of the James Buckley serves as a reminder of the risks faced by mariners in the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Its loss highlights the importance of safety in towing operations and the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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