Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Trader
- Type: Sand scow, wood
- Year Built: 1903
- Builder: Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 291 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4.5 m / 15 ft
- Location: Strawberry Island, Niagara River
- Official Number: 162087
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The TRADER was classified as a wooden sand scow, a type of vessel commonly used for transporting bulk materials such as sand and gravel.
Description
The TRADER was built in 1903 in Buffalo, New York. With a registered tonnage of 291 tons, it was designed for the heavy task of carrying loose materials, making it a significant vessel for operations in the Niagara River and other waterways of the Great Lakes.
History
The TRADER served primarily in the Niagara River, where it was utilized for transporting sand and gravel. Its construction in 1903 marked the beginning of its service, which lasted until its loss in 1908.
Significant Incidents
- July 9, 1908: The TRADER went aground while navigating the Niagara River near Strawberry Island.
- Strong currents caused the vessel to be wrecked and stranded in 15 feet (4.5 m) of water, approximately 300 feet (91.5 m) west of the main ship channel.
- By October of the same year, the vessel’s derrick was carried away by the river’s forces.
Final Disposition
The TRADER was ultimately stranded due to the strong currents of the Niagara River. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from the incident, highlighting the vessel’s loss without loss of life.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the TRADER remains submerged in the Niagara River, with parts of the vessel, such as the derrick, having been lost to the river’s currents. Divers are encouraged to document the site responsibly, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”trader-us-162087″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The TRADER serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Niagara River. Its grounding near Strawberry Island illustrates the hazards of this waterway, while the absence of loss of life underscores the importance of safe navigation practices.
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.
TRADER – Identification & Site Information
- Other Names: None
- Official No.: 162087
- Type at Loss: Sand scow, wood
- Build Info: 1903, Buffalo, NY
- Specs: 291 tons
- Date of Loss: 1908, July 9
- Place of Loss: Strawberry Island, Niagara River
- Lake: Erie
- Type of Loss: Stranded
- Loss of Life: None
History and Description
The TRADER was a wooden sand scow built in 1903 in Buffalo, New York. As a sand scow, it was likely used for transporting sand, gravel, or other loose materials, a common purpose for vessels operating in the Niagara River and other waterways of the Great Lakes. At 291 tons, the TRADER was a relatively large vessel for the type, designed for the heavy task of carrying bulk cargo.
Final Disposition
On July 9, 1908, the TRADER went aground while navigating the Niagara River, near Strawberry Island. The strong currents of the river caused the vessel to be wrecked and left her stranded in 15 feet (4.5 m) of water, approximately 300 feet (91.5 m) west of the main ship channel near the foot of the island.
Initially, the TRADER‘s derrick remained emergent, visible above the water, but by the following October, it was carried away by the forces of the river. There is no record of loss of life from the incident.
Resources & Links
To explore more details on the TRADER or similar vessels, consult the following sources:
- Great Lakes Historical Society: Offers an extensive collection of maritime histories and shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Lake Erie Shipwreck Database: Provides information on wrecks in the Lake Erie and surrounding areas.
- Niagara River Historical Database: Specializes in maritime accidents along the Niagara River.
Conclusion
The TRADER‘s loss highlights the vulnerability of vessels operating in the Niagara River, especially near the treacherous currents of Strawberry Island. Despite her stranding and the eventual loss of her derrick, the TRADER did not result in any loss of life. She serves as a reminder of the challenges of navigation in this particular part of the Great Lakes system.
trader-us-162087 1908-07-09 07:55:00