Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Oakwood
- Type: Wooden propeller bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1891
- Builder: J. Davidson
- Dimensions: ~298 ft × 41 ft × 21 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 2,050 gt / 1,711 nt
- Location: Blackwell's Canal, Buffalo, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 126717
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally launched in 1891 as the steamer City of Berlin, built by J. Davidson at West Bay City (Hull # 40). Later named Charles A. Luck, Richland Star, and finally Oakwood (c. 1925).
Description
The Oakwood was a wooden propeller bulk freighter measuring approximately 298 feet in length, 41 feet in beam, and 21 feet in depth. It had a registered tonnage of about 2,050 gross tons and 1,711 net tons.
History
The vessel’s service history includes a grounding incident on June 8, 1925, at Miller’s Point, after which it was salvaged. The Oakwood became stranded in Buffalo’s Blackwell’s Canal during heavy weather on August 9, 1925, sustaining hull damage. During inspection and repair efforts, the vessel caught fire, leading to its total loss.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: August 9, 1925
- Location: Blackwell’s Canal, Buffalo, Lake Erie
- Incident Circumstances: Grounded in the canal during heavy weather, sustaining hull damage; caught fire during inspection/repair, leading to total loss by fire.
- Fatalities: None reported (crew survived)
Final Disposition
The burned remains of the Oakwood were further dismantled in 1934 to recover metal components, effectively eliminating any intact wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is no longer intact due to dismantling efforts in 1934. The site may be of interest for historical research but is not accessible as a dive site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”oakwoodcity-of-berlincharles-a-luck-richland-star” title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Oakwood serves as a reminder of the risks faced by vessels in familiar waters, particularly following grounding incidents that can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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