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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-w-cramer-us-75636″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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.
(Wooden Propeller Steam Tug, built 1874; lost October 17, 1884)
Vessel Identity & Specifications
- Official Number: 75636
- Built: 1874 in Buffalo, NY by G. Notter
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Dimensions: 53 ft × 14 ft × 7 ft; 23 gross tons / 11 net tons
- Registry: Buffalo
Final Voyage & Loss Details (October 17, 1884)
- Route: Under tow with the schooner-barge A. W. Wright on Lake Erie
- Cause of Incident: Caught in a storm at night she became grounded on Horseshoe Reef, located a few miles from Buffalo
- Outcome: Vessel later broke up, despite several salvage attempts. No loss of life—crew survived.
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name & Type | John W. Cramer, steam tug |
| Built & Registry | 1874, Buffalo; Official No. 75636 |
| Loss Date & Location | October 17, 1884 — Horseshoe Reef, Lake Erie |
| Cause | Night storm grounding while towing a schooner-barge |
| Cargo | None — tug only |
| Crew | Survived — no casualties |
| Disposition | Broke up after grounding; salvage attempts failed |
Historical & Navigational Context
- Horseshoe Reef (off Buffalo) was notorious for grounding vessels, especially during nighttime storms.
- The John W. Cramer was engaged in tow work—exposed to risks during storms when towing barges.
- The breakup despite salvage efforts reflects the heavy damage sustained on the reef(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Recommended Research Avenues
- Contemporary Newspaper Reports (Oct 1884)
- Buffalo Courier, Buffalo Express, Erie News likely covered the grounding and salvage attempts—could provide crew names, tow details, and storm reports.
- Salvage & Tow Company Records
- Logs or correspondence detailing efforts to recover the vessel or the barge; possibly held by local historical societies or marine insurance archives.
- Hydrographic Chart Review
- Examine 1880s nautical charts of Horseshoe Reef to precisely locate the grounding—useful for maritime hazard mapping or archaeology.
- Maritime Incident Reports
- U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service records may include official incident logs or inquiry findings.
- Current Archaeological Survey Data
- Check NOAA or Great Lakes maritime archaeology databases for any evidence or dive logs related to this wreck site.
- Retrieve Buffalo newspaper articles from October 1884 for firsthand incident and salvage accounts?
- Access tow company or salvage service records about the attempted rescue?
- Locate steamboat inspection or inquiry records for official cause and damage reports?
- Analyze hydrographic surveys to precisely map the grounding site?