- Name: H.B.
- Former Names: None recorded
- Registration Number: Unknown
- Type: Wooden Schooner–Barge, bulk freight, 3-masted
- Builder: Unknown
- Year Built: Unknown
- Dimensions: 53.64 m (176 ft) length × 10.36 m (34 ft) beam × 3.96 m (13 ft) depth
- Hull Material: Wood
- Propulsion: Sail (towed in service)
- Date of Loss: 17 October 1912
- Cause of Loss: Towline parted in heavy windstorm; vessel adrift and Foundered
- Location: Approximately 32 km (20 miles) offshore in Lake Ontario, between Oswego and Ogdensburg
- Cargo: Coal
- Crew at Loss: At least 5 (4 fatalities)
Description
The H.B. was a wooden-hulled, three-masted Schooner–Barge employed in bulk freight service on Lake Ontario. These vessels, often converted from sailing schooners, operated without their own propulsion, relying on steam tugs for towing. Her design and dimensions made her suitable for heavy cargo such as coal.
History
In her final years, the H.B. operated as part of tows between Lake Ontario ports, primarily carrying bulk commodities. On her last voyage, she was in tow with two other barges, transporting coal from Oswego to Ogdensburg, New York.
Final Voyage
On 17 October 1912, while in tow and loaded with coal, the H.B. encountered a heavy windstorm about 20 miles offshore. The Towline parted, leaving her adrift. Without propulsion and in worsening weather, she soon Foundered. Four lives were lost: J.D. Schamp, Steven Lebux, Fred Lahance (all Canadian), and Alice Derusha, the 16-year-old daughter of Captain John Derusha. The captain survived.
Final Disposition
The wreck rests upright and intact in deep water in Lake Ontario. Discovered by divers Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber on 8 July 2016, the site is reported to be in remarkable preservation due to the cold, fresh water. A high-resolution 3D model was created from 5,117 photographs taken during dive documentation.
Located By & Date Found
Discovered by Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber on 8 July 2016 using side-scan sonar, followed by dive documentation and 3D imaging.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No current navigational hazard; site is in deep water and not marked.
Dive Information
- Access: Technical dive only
- Depth: Deep-water site (exact depth not published)
- Conditions: Cold water, low light, possible currents
- Hazards: Overhead environments and entanglement risks
Crew & Casualty Memorials
- J.D. Schamp — Fatality
- Steven Lebux — Fatality
- Fred Lahance — Fatality
- Alice Derusha — Fatality
Documented Statements & Extracts
“The ill-fated Schooner Barge, with two others, was being towed from Oswego to Ogdensburg loaded with coal. The Towline broke during a heavy windstorm and the H.B. went adrift. In a short time the H.B. went down.” — Contemporary loss summary.
References & Sources
Thanks to Tom Rutledge @ Shotline Diving
Comments
