Dredge Gordon (Lake Ontario NMS)

3D Model

On November 16, 1879, Gordon was part of a large tow consisting of three dredges and ten scows, led by the tug Seymour and assisted by four small tugboats, returning from dredging work on the St. Lawrence River. While crossing mid-lake enroute to Oswego, the tow was caught in a storm. Around 9:00 p.m. the Philip Becker came alongside Gordon to notify them that the scows had broken loose. In the process of coming alongside the Becker collided with Gordon’s stern, opening a seam and breaking several planks. At 4:30 a.m. the dredge foundered, rolling onto its starboard side with the stern remaining above the water for some time. Six of the nine persons aboard were lost.

The wreck of the Gordon was documented in May 2025 by the NOAA and the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute using a remotely operated vehicle. The dredge is almost entirely intact and rests on its starboard side in depths beyond the technical diving depths.