Niagara’s 1918 scow rescue used a powerhouse as a launching point. A line was shot from its roof to the stranded vessel, giving rescuers a route for a breeches buoy—a suspended rescue carrier—to bring two men ashore.[1]
The emergency began on 6 August, when the dumping scow broke free of its towing tug with Gustav F. Lofberg and James H. Harris aboard. Niagara Parks’ account says the men opened its bottom doors and the vessel grounded in the shallow rapids above Horseshoe Falls. They were stopped, but still separated from the shore by the river.[1]
Where is this place?
Iron Scow, Niagara Falls, Ontario. This map locates the town or region, not a verified exact historic event site.
The breeches buoy’s lines became tangled. William “Red” Hill Sr. went out to straighten tangled lines, holding on with his legs while he worked. Niagara Parks police, local fire and police departments, and the U.S. Coast Guard took part in the operation. The two stranded men reached safety the following day.[1]
The wreck remained after the crew had gone. For the rescue’s centenary in August 2018, Niagara Parks unveiled interpretive panels. A November 2019 release recorded a different change: severe weather had turned the scow and shifted it downstream toward the falls. It was lodged again in the upper rapids when that report was issued.[2]
