First Ward in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Penobscot-Morania Collision

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

1. Penobscot-Morania Collision Marker

Inscription.
The worst disaster in Buffalo Harbor history took place in the Buffalo River at this point on the night of Oct. 29, 1951, when the outbound freighter Penobscot and the gasoline barge Morania collided, sparking an explosion and fire that took 11 lives.

The collision occurred as the 230-foot tank barge, carrying 19,200 barrels of gasoline and pushed by the tug Dauntless, rounded the lighthouse point and cut across the channel towards the Erie Basin. The Penobscot hit the low, unlit barge, rupturing two tanks and spilling gasoline that ignited when the vessels pulled apart.

Capt. Louis Guyette and wheelsman Roy Richardson died at their posts in the Penobscot's burning pilot house, while swinging the vessel's stern against this pier so crewmen could slide down ropes to safety.

Erected by Buffalo Lighthouse Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Lost at Sea series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 29, 1951.

Location. 42° 52.668′ N, 78° 53.27′ W. Marker is in Buffalo,

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New York, in Erie County. It is in the First Ward. It can be reached from Fuhrmann Boulevard near The Skyway (New York State Route 5). Marker is on the Coast Guard walkway along the Buffalo River, open 10A to sunset. The gated walkway begins at the northern terminus of Fuhrmann Boulevard and leads to the Buffalo Lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fuhrman Boulevard, Buffalo NY 14203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and specifically in Western New York.

It is also in the American Northeast,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: International Shipmasters' Association (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lifeboat Station

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

2. Upriver

Ships of the Buffalo Naval & Military Park in background.

(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse (about 400 feet away); The Coast Guard (about 500 feet away); Buffalo Harbor (about 500 feet away); Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light (about 500 feet away); The Lighthouse Service (about 500 feet away); Buffalo Main & Harbor Lights (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.

Also see . . . Morania Fire. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on July 5, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Towards Buffalo Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

3. Towards Buffalo Lighthouse

Towards North Point of Channel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

4. Towards North Point of Channel

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 1,107 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 5, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.