History
Constructed in 1901 in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, the Laura Grace (Registry No. 107171) was a 16 horsepower steam tugboat operating in Lake Ontario. Owned by the Lake Superior Tug Co., she was registered at Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay, Ontario. During her final voyage in December 1918, she departed from Kingston, Ontario, en route to Port Dalhousie (now part of St. Catharines, Ontario). While navigating through a severe winter storm, the vessel was lost off the shoreline of Greece, a suburb of Rochester, New York. All hands survived the wreck, as it occurred close to shore.
Search
Although the ship was lost in 1918, there was renewed interest in its location during the summer of 1919. Reports published in The Democrat and Chronicle in July and August of that year mentioned organized efforts to locate and examine the wreck. Due to debris and silt, divers attempting to locate the wreck faced limited visibility and hazards. Efforts to identify and photograph the wreck intensified after local accounts surfaced. By August 1919, reports confirmed that the wreck had likely been located at a depth of 17 feet near the mouth of the Genesee River, matching the coordinates listed above.
Significance
The Laura Grace is a notable example of early 20th-century steam-powered tugboats that served both commercial and support roles on the Great Lakes. Her loss in a storm underscores the hazards of winter navigation in the region. As a well-preserved wreck in shallow water, it offers valuable insight into the construction techniques and operational challenges of the era.The tug also highlights maritime connections between Ontario and upstate New York, illustrating the binational commerce that once depended heavily on lake transport.
Continued Exploration
Diving expeditions have continued intermittently since the wreck’s rediscovery. While visibility and weather conditions can be difficult, the shallow depth makes the wreck accessible to experienced recreational divers. Explorers have reported that parts of the wooden hull, boiler, and propeller remain intact.
Further Reading
“Life Savers Brave Heavy Sea To Rescue Member Of Crew From Foundered Tug.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, December 07, 1918.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135377423/
“Laura Grace Still Grounded On Beach.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, December 10, 1918.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135377812/
“Raising Of Tug Laura Grace Is Begun By Crew.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, August 01, 1919.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135397622/
“With Fair Weather, Tug Laura Grace Will Float To-day, Wreakers Assert.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, August 08, 1919.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135398235/
“Raising Of Tug May Not Go On Dam Destroyed.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, August 09, 1919.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135398317/
“Salvaging Of Tug Is Stopped For A Time.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, August 12, 1919.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135444131/
“Lake Citizens Seek Removal Of Old Wreck.” Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, August 15, 1928.https://www.newspapers.com/image/135310039/
