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.

• Vessel Name: John J. Boland Jr. (formerly Tyneville)
• Type: Steel Bulk Freighter
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 253 feet (77.1 meters)
  • Beam: 44 feet (13.4 meters)
  • Depth: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,939 tons
• Construction: Built in 1928 by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Newcastle-on-Tyne, United Kingdom
• Propulsion: Screw propulsion system, triple expansion engine with cylinder dimensions of 15 inches, 25 inches, and 40 inches, and a stroke of 33 inches
• Final Resting Place: Lake Erie, near Port Colborne, Ontario
• Condition: Capsized and foundered on October 5, 1932
• Accessibility: The wreck lies at an unknown depth; its condition may be challenging to access due to the depth and potential hazards.

Construction and Specifications

The vessel known as John J. Boland Jr. was originally launched in 1928 under the name Tyneville. Built by the renowned shipbuilding firm Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, this steel bulk freighter was a modern and robust vessel designed to transport heavy cargoes across the Atlantic and Great Lakes. Measuring 253 feet in length, 44 feet in beam, and 24 feet in depth, the Tyneville was a sizeable ship, built to handle large loads with efficiency and reliability.

Equipped with a screw propulsion system powered by a triple expansion engine, the vessel was capable of navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The engine featured three cylinders with dimensions of 15 inches, 25 inches, and 40 inches, and a stroke of 33 inches, providing the necessary power to move substantial cargoes like coal and ore. With a gross tonnage of 1,939 tons, the vessel was well-suited for the demands of the shipping industry during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Ownership and Name Change

The vessel initially served under the British flag with the official number 149467 and was known as the Tyneville. However, in 1929, just a year after its launch, the ship was sold to the Sarnia Steamship Company of St. Catharines, Canada. Following the acquisition, the vessel was renamed John J. Boland Jr., in honor of a prominent figure associated with the company or its operations. Under its new name, the vessel continued to serve as a bulk freighter, transporting vital commodities like coal across the Great Lakes.

The Storm and Tragic Loss

On October 5, 1932, the John J. Boland Jr. embarked on what would become its final voyage. The vessel was loaded with coal and was en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Hamilton, Ontario. As the freighter made its way across Lake Erie, it encountered a violent gale that unleashed treacherous conditions. The storm brought with it powerful winds and towering waves, which proved too much for the ship to withstand.

During the storm, the John J. Boland Jr. capsized and quickly foundered, leaving the crew with little time to react. The ship’s rapid sinking made it nearly impossible for the crew to deploy lifeboats. Of the 19 crew members on board, only 15 managed to survive by clinging to an upturned lifeboat. These survivors were eventually rescued after enduring the harrowing ordeal. Tragically, four crew members lost their lives, unable to escape the sinking vessel in time.

Legacy and Remembrance

The loss of the John J. Boland Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s sinking on October 5, 1932, was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers faced by those who navigated these waters, particularly during the stormy seasons. The loss of four crew members underscores the risks inherent in maritime transport, even for a modern steel bulk freighter like the John J. Boland Jr.

Despite its brief service life, the John J. Boland Jr.’s story is preserved in maritime history, serving as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who faced the unforgiving elements on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s wreck, lying somewhere at the bottom of Lake Erie, remains a silent witness to the tragedy that unfolded on that stormy October day.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• YouTube – Potential documentaries or video content related to the sinking
• Wrecks and Reefs – Information on the wreck site

Keywords #John J. Boland Jr., #Tyneville, #Great Lakes shipwreck, #Lake Erie,#steel bulk freighter, #maritime history, #vessel loss, #storm wreck, #Sarnia Steamship, #triple expansion engine, #1932 sinking.

The John J. Boland Jr., previously known as the Tyneville, was a steel bulk freighter that met a tragic fate on Lake Erie. Constructed in 1928 by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson in Newcastle, England, this propeller-driven vessel had a brief but eventful history. On October 5, 1932, while carrying a cargo of coal from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Hamilton, Ontario, the John J. Boland Jr. capsized and foundered during a violent gale. This article delves into the vessel’s construction and specifications, its ownership and name changes, the circumstances surrounding its loss, and the tragic loss of life that accompanied the sinking. john-j-boland-jr-tyneville-c-149467 1932-10-05 07:48:00