Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Susan A. Clark
- Type: Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: Wm. Hingston
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 12 tons
- Location: Buffalo Harbor, New York
- Official Number: US 22280
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Propeller Steam Tug
Description
Constructed in 1863 by Wm. Hingston in Buffalo, the S.A. Clark was a small propeller steam tug weighing only 12 tons. Despite its size, it played an integral role in the maritime operations of Buffalo Harbor, aiding in the navigation and maneuvering of larger vessels. The S.A. Clark exemplified the industrious spirit of the era, where even the smallest vessels served crucial functions in the vibrant commercial waterways of the Great Lakes.
History
The morning of November 23, 1867, began like any other in the harbor, bustling with activity. Without warning, a deafening explosion shattered the tranquility, drawing immediate attention to the S.A. Clark. Its boiler had catastrophically failed, tearing the tug apart with explosive force. The sheer power of the blast reduced the vessel to fragments, marking a sudden and devastating end.
As the chaos subsided and the smoke cleared, the true extent of the destruction was revealed. The once-operational tug was obliterated, its remains scattered across the harbor. Miraculously, no lives were lost, but two men aboard the vessel suffered serious injuries. One sustained severe injuries, while the other endured deep lacerations to the head, a testament to the violent nature of the blast.
Significant Incidents
Subsequent investigations pinpointed the cause of the disaster: the tug’s boiler had been operating under dangerously high steam pressure, compounded by insufficient water levels. This neglect of proper boiler maintenance created the perfect storm for a catastrophic rupture, leading to the explosion that ultimately destroyed the S.A. Clark.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the S.A. Clark sank into the waters of Buffalo Harbor, its operational life concluded in tragedy. The incident, however, underscored the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and maintaining equipment, particularly in an era when steam technology was still developing. The explosion served as a stark warning to mariners and engineers, highlighting the deadly consequences of oversight in steam-powered operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Although the S.A. Clark was a modest vessel, its story resonates as a reminder of the dangers that shaped the lives of those navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. It stands as a cautionary tale, a tragic emblem of both human error and the perilous nature of maritime innovation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”susan-a-clark-us-22280″ title=”References & Links”]
The legacy of the S.A. Clark continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of safety in maritime operations, particularly in the context of steam technology.
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.
The Tragic End of the S.A. Clark: A Tale of Explosion and Maritime Loss
In the mid-19th century, the bustling harbor of Buffalo, New York, was alive with maritime activity, where vessels of all sizes contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Great Lakes region. Among them was the modest but essential propeller steam tug S.A. Clark. Built to serve and assist larger ships, its fate became a tragic chapter in maritime history when it met a catastrophic end in 1867.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Type: Propeller Steam Tug
- Built: 1863, Buffalo, New York
- Builder: Wm. Hingston
- Tonnage: 12 tons
- Location: Buffalo Harbor, New York
- Final Disposition: Destroyed by explosion, November 23, 1867
A Modest but Essential Vessel
Constructed in 1863 by Wm. Hingston in Buffalo, the S.A. Clark was a small propeller steam tug weighing only 12 tons. Despite its size, it played an integral role in the maritime operations of Buffalo Harbor, aiding in the navigation and maneuvering of larger vessels. The S.A. Clark exemplified the industrious spirit of the era, where even the smallest vessels served crucial functions in the vibrant commercial waterways of the Great Lakes.
The Fateful Explosion: November 23, 1867
The morning of November 23, 1867, began like any other in the harbor, bustling with activity. Without warning, a deafening explosion shattered the tranquility, drawing immediate attention to the S.A. Clark. Its boiler had catastrophically failed, tearing the tug apart with explosive force. The sheer power of the blast reduced the vessel to fragments, marking a sudden and devastating end.
Immediate Aftermath
As the chaos subsided and the smoke cleared, the true extent of the destruction was revealed. The once-operational tug was obliterated, its remains scattered across the harbor. Miraculously, no lives were lost, but two men aboard the vessel suffered serious injuries. One sustained severe injuries, while the other endured deep lacerations to the head, a testament to the violent nature of the blast.
Investigation and Cause
Subsequent investigations pinpointed the cause of the disaster: the tug’s boiler had been operating under dangerously high steam pressure, compounded by insufficient water levels. This neglect of proper boiler maintenance created the perfect storm for a catastrophic rupture, leading to the explosion that ultimately destroyed the S.A. Clark.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
The wreckage of the S.A. Clark sank into the waters of Buffalo Harbor, its operational life concluded in tragedy. The incident, however, underscored the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and maintaining equipment, particularly in an era when steam technology was still developing. The explosion served as a stark warning to mariners and engineers, highlighting the deadly consequences of oversight in steam-powered operations.
Although the S.A. Clark was a modest vessel, its story resonates as a reminder of the dangers that shaped the lives of those navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. It stands as a cautionary tale, a tragic emblem of both human error and the perilous nature of maritime innovation.
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