Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Shawmut
- Type: Unrigged wooden barge for bulk freight
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage: 251 gross tons (231 net tons)
- Location: Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Shawmut is classified as an unrigged wooden barge designed for bulk freight transport.
Description
The Shawmut was a wooden bulk-freight barge built in 1889. It had a registered tonnage of 251 gross tons and was primarily operated under tow via tug in Lake Erie freight service.
History
The Shawmut was constructed in Buffalo, New York, and served in the freight industry until its loss in 1909. It was involved in a collision while under tow in Buffalo Harbor.
Significant Incidents
- November 2, 1909: The Shawmut collided with the steamer America while being towed in Buffalo Harbor, resulting in the barge sinking. There were no crew fatalities reported.
Final Disposition
The Shawmut was declared a total constructive loss and subsequently dropped from the registry. Although some parts of the infrastructure may have been salvaged, there is no record of formal recovery operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Shawmut likely remains in shallow harbor waters. Modern hydrographic charts or surveys of the Buffalo River could provide information on its current condition and location.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”shawmut-1889″ title=”References & Links”]
The Shawmut, a 251-ton wooden barge, sank in Buffalo Harbor on November 2, 1909, after colliding with the steamer America. Both crew members survived the incident, but the barge was written off as a total loss. Further research into harbor records, crew lists, and legal claims could enhance the understanding of this vessel’s final story.
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 bulk-freight barge, built 1889)
Identification & Vessel Information
- Name: Shawmut
- Type: Unrigged wooden barge for bulk freight
- Built: 1889, Buffalo, New York
- Tonnage: 251 gross tons (231 net tons) (alcheminc.com)
- Operated: Under tow via tug in Lake Erie freight service
Final Incident – November 2, 1909 (Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie)
- Date: November 2, 1909
- Situation: While under tow in Buffalo harbor, Shawmut collided with the steamer America
- Outcome: The collision caused Shawmut to founder and sink in the harbor (alcheminc.com)
- Casualties: Records indicate “none of 2″—no crew fatalities from the two aboard (alcheminc.com)
Disposition & Aftermath
- Status: Declared a total constructive loss and dropped from registry
- Salvage: While part of the infrastructure may have been salvaged, there is no record of formal recovery operations
Gaps & Research Opportunities
- Crew Identities: The names and roles of the two crew members onboard are unrecorded. These could be found via Buffalo port logs or local newspaper archives (e.g., Buffalo Evening News, November 1909).
- Tow Configuration: Details regarding the tow tug and method could help reconstruct the collision scenario—port transaction records or tow company archives may contain this data.
- Collision Dynamics: Conditions and navigational decisions leading to collision are undocumented; harbor pilot logs or Coast Guard incident forms might fill in the context.
- Wreck Site: The wreck likely remains in shallow harbor waters; modern hydrographic charts or Buffalo River surveys could locate remnants or note navigational hazards.
- Insurance or Legal Proceedings: Claims filed or lawsuits could shed light on financial ramifications and responsibility for the collision.
Summary
The Shawmut, a 251-ton wooden barge built in 1889, sank in Buffalo Harbor on November 2, 1909, following a collision with the steamer America. Despite the sinking, both crew members survived. The barge was written off as a total loss without formal salvage operations documented. Additional research—into harbor records, crew lists, and legal claims—can enrich the vessel’s final story.
shawmut-1889 1909-11-02 01:58:00