Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Avery
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: G.H. Notter
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Location: Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The William Avery was a wooden-hulled tugboat built for assisting larger vessels in harbors, ports, and narrow waterways. Tugboats like the William Avery were crucial to maritime operations on the Great Lakes, providing maneuverability and power to guide larger ships safely through congested or challenging areas.
Description
The William Avery was constructed in 1869 by G.H. Notter in Buffalo, New York. It served as a workhorse on Lake Ontario, aiding in the operations of shipping and trade during a period of industrial and economic growth.
Primarily, the tugboat was tasked with assisting larger vessels by towing or guiding them through harbors and difficult waterways. Such vessels were indispensable for navigating the Great Lakes’ busy ports, particularly in areas with limited maneuvering space.
History
On July 30, 1898, while docked in Oswego, New York, the William Avery was destroyed by a fire. The cause of the fire is not documented in detail, but it marked the end of the vessel’s nearly 30 years of service.
Significant Incidents
- Fire while docked in Oswego, New York, leading to total loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition
The William Avery was a total loss following the fire in Oswego, with no reported salvage or reconstruction efforts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the William Avery was docked at the time of the fire, it is likely that no significant remains are present at the site. The wreckage would have been subject to decay and possible removal in the years following the incident. The site, if identifiable, would hold historical interest for researchers of Great Lakes maritime history.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The William Avery serves as a reminder of the hardworking tugboats that powered the Great Lakes’ maritime industry. Though its end came in a fiery dockside incident, its legacy continues to contribute to the narrative of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce and navigation.