100 Years Marooned by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Clinging to its rocky perch in the rushing water above Niagara Falls, this old hulk of a scow celebrates a full century today since it was stranded. On August 6, 1918, one of the most dramatic rescue efforts in the history of the Niagara River took place when the scow broke loose from its tug at a dredging operation 1.6 km upstream. As it raced toward the edge of the Horseshoe Falls, the two workers trapped on board had the presence of mind to open the bottom dumping doors and flood its compartments. 51-year old Gustav Lofberg and 53-year old James Harris ground to a halt only 200 metres away from the edge of the falls. A lifeline cannon, rushed to the scene by the U.S. Coast Guard, was able to shoot a line from the roof of the powerhouse out to the stranded men; a daring rescue that took until the following morning to successfully accomplish.



Cannon Rescue by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Part way out the breeches buoy suddenly stopped, causing a loud groan of despair to ripple through the large crowd of spectators. It was soon discovered that the stoppage was due to a tangle in the ropes. This problem was not solved until the very early hours of the following morning when William “Red” Hill Sr. offered to go out and correct the problem on the lines. A resident of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Hill was Niagara’s most knowledgeable riverman and a recognized hero who had recently returned home after having been wounded and gassed in France while serving in the First World War.

With the beam of a search light following him, Hill courageously went out in the breeches buoy to untangle the lines and ultimately allow for the successful rescue of the two men.



The Edge Downstream by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

Interesting read, history and photos!

Cool history behind this one. Enjoyed the read.

Dang...I never knew all this information !!
Imagine the fear of being on that thing hurling towards the falls?

Thanks for the enlightenment

Wow, love the write-up, had never heard of any of this