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.

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: RELIEF
• Type: Steam Tug (Wrecking Tug)
• Year Built: 1855
• Builder: VanSlyck & Notter & Co., Buffalo, New York
• Master Builder: George Notter
• Engine: Oscillator engine, 30-inch cylinder, 36-inch stroke (Buffalo Steam Engine Works)
  • Length: 143 feet (43.6 meters)
  • Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
  • Depth of Hold: 12 feet (3.6 meters)
• Burthen: 362 tons
• Final Location: Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 41°36.471’N, 82°43.756’W
• Depth: 12 feet (4 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The RELIEF was a powerful and specialized wrecking tug commissioned by the Buffalo Mutual Insurance Company to assist distressed vessels on the Great Lakes. Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1855, it was equipped with advanced technology for its time, including a robust oscillator engine and comprehensive salvage equipment. Its solid timber hull and state-of-the-art machinery made it one of the most capable wrecking vessels of the mid-19th century.

History

The RELIEF was constructed with exceptional attention to durability and functionality:

• Hull: Designed with a solid timber bothttps://shotlinediving.comwp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg extending 6 feet up the sides, caulked inside and out for maximum tightness and integrity.
• Engine and Machinery: Crafted by Buffalo Steam Engine Works under Edwin Reese, featuring a 30-inch cylinder and 36-inch stroke. The engine and related equipment, including winches, a patent windlass, and pumping systems, were optimized for salvaging capsized vessels.
• Unique Features: The vessel’s figurehead, a carved white oak arm in a boxing stance, symbolized its mission of “Relief in Time of Trouble.”

Service

The RELIEF served as a vital asset on the Great Lakes, rescuing stranded vessels, salvaging valuable cargo, and saving lives. Its robust construction and advanced equipment enabled it to operate effectively in various weather conditions.

Final Disposition

After decades of service, the RELIEF was abandoned in 1885 near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie. Its remains are now located in shallow waters at a depth of 12 feet (4 meters).

Current Condition

• Wreck Location: The wreck lies partially buried in sediment near Kelley’s Island in Lake Erie.
• Visibility: Depending on water clarity, the shallow depth may provide reasonable visibility for exploration.

Diving Conditions:

• Depth: 12 feet (4 meters) — suitable for all skill levels.Points of Interest:
• The engine and remnants of the unique figurehead may still be present.
• Potential for artifacts from its wrecking and salvage equipment.

Significance

The RELIEF is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of mid-19th-century Great Lakes maritime operations. Its innovative design and specialized mission highlight the importance of wrecking tugs in safeguarding commerce and lives during a transformative period in shipping history. The vessel’s abandonment near Kelley’s Island adds to the rich tapestry of Lake Erie’s maritime legacy.

References & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Extensive historical records on Great Lakes vessels like the RELIEF.
• Great Lakes Historical Society: Resources on wrecking tugs and their significance in the region.
• NOAA Shipwreck Database: For mapping and further exploration of the RELIEF wreck.

Tags

RELIEF Shipwreck, Wrecking Tug, Lake Erie Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Buffalo-built Tugboat, Kelley’s Island Wreck.

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