Gluckauf
Tanker · Germany · Lost 1893 · Long Island & the New York Approaches
Regarded as the world's first bulk oil tanker, the German steamer Gluckauf ran aground on Fire Island and became a permanent, much-photographed beach wreck.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Gluckauf was a German steam tanker, said to be the world's first purpose-built bulk oil carrier. She ran aground on Fire Island's outer bar near Blue Point in the early 1890s. Her crew was rescued by breeches buoy, and though wrecking tugs briefly freed her, a parting towline sent her permanently aground, where her hulk remained a Fire Island landmark for decades.
Vessel
- 1886
- Not established
- Germany
- Steel
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Steam, single screw
- Not established
Loss
- March 25, 1893
- Grounding
- Blue Point Beach, Fire Island, New York
- Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Remains visible in the surf at low tide near Davis Park
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 40.72° N 72.90° W
- Approximate position
- Davis Park, Fire Island, New York
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (70/100)
The exact date of loss is inconsistently reported in the sources reviewed as either 1892 or 1893.
Davis Park Association historical records
Wreck narrative and salvage attempt account.
Newsday retrospective (Rhoda Amon)
Historical account of the grounding and salvage failure.
