Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John W. Cramer
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: G. Notter
- Dimensions: 53 ft × 14 ft × 7 ft; 23 gross tons / 11 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 23 gross tons / 11 net tons
- Location: Horseshoe Reef, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 75636
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John W. Cramer was a wooden propeller steam tug, designed for towing and assisting larger vessels. Built in 1874, it was part of the maritime operations on the Great Lakes.
Description
Measuring 53 feet in length, 14 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth, the John W. Cramer was a relatively small tug with a registered tonnage of 23 gross tons and 11 net tons. It was registered in Buffalo, New York, and was primarily used for towing operations on Lake Erie.
History
The John W. Cramer was built in 1874 by G. Notter in Buffalo, NY. Throughout its service, it was engaged in various towing operations, which exposed it to the risks of storms and rough waters, particularly when towing larger vessels such as barges.
Significant Incidents
- October 17, 1884: The vessel was under tow with the schooner-barge A. W. Wright when it encountered a storm at night, leading to its grounding on Horseshoe Reef, located a few miles from Buffalo.
Final Disposition
Despite several salvage attempts, the John W. Cramer broke up after grounding on Horseshoe Reef. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the crew survived the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not well-documented, but it is known that the vessel broke up after grounding. The site may be of interest for maritime archaeology and historical research.
Resources & Links
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The wreck of the John W. Cramer serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Further research into this incident could provide valuable insights into maritime safety and the history of tugboats in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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