Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: May Queen
- Type: Steam Tug Barge
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: Rand Shipyard, Manitowoc, WI
- Dimensions: 210 ft × 29 ft × 13 ft
- Registered Tonnage: ~507 GT
- Location: Oswego Harbor, New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steam Tug Barge, originally a side-wheel steamer converted from the barge Manitowoc.
Description
The May Queen was built in 1868 and initially served as a side-wheel steamer. After a fire in 1874, it was stripped to its hull and repurposed as a wooden barge. It operated as a docked steam tug barge at Oswego, likely for barge handling and harbor duties.
History
After its construction, the May Queen underwent a significant conversion following a fire in 1874, which led to the removal of its engine. The vessel continued to serve in a different capacity until its scuttling in June 1876.
Significant Incidents
- June 16, 1876: A fire broke out while the tug was moored at Oswego. Local authorities scuttled the vessel to extinguish the flames and protect nearby infrastructure. There were no reports of casualties or dock damage.
Final Disposition
The May Queen was scuttled in Oswego Harbor, likely settling on a mud bottom. The scuttling was a common procedure to eliminate fire hazards, and the valuable engine had already been salvaged in 1874, reducing the incentive for hull recovery.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the May Queen remains uncertain, as it was scuttled and may have decayed or been removed since the incident.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”may-queen-1868″ title=”References & Links”]
The May Queen’s story reflects the practices of the era, including the reuse of hulls and the management of fire hazards in harbor operations. This case provides valuable insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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