BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) Buffalo's Edward M. Cotter fireboat is the oldest working fireboat in the world. It has also been designated a national historic landmark.
Tuesday, November 15, marked the 122nd anniversary of the date the Cotter went into service in Buffalo in 1900.
Back in September, WBEN's Susan Rose and Tim Wenger boarded the Cotter for a working trip to the roundhouse in Lake Erie. Check below for a photo gallery of the ship.
It takes a fair amount of money to maintain the aging boat. The engines are not original, but they are 70 years old.
"We're getting ready to launch a capital fundraising campaign because there is work that needs to be done to keep the boat afloat," said Ron Endle, President of the E. M. Cotter Conservancy, who joined WBEN on Tuesday.
"We were just informed by Captain John Sixt that one of the transmissions is going on one of the propulsion engines." The parts alone, are estimated at around 400-thousand dollars.
Back in 2019, The Cotter received 500K in funding to reinforce the steel hull and for new propellers.
The Cotter has a dual role. It also serves as an icebreaker in the Winter. "That's probably one of its biggest values," said Endle. "Not only for the city of Buffalo, but surrounding communities to keep the Buffalo River flowing."
"When the boat was originally built, it was fitted with inch-and-a-half thick steel. That's the reason it's lasted this long. It really takes a beating," said Endle.
In addition to the Conservancy's capital campaign, the group is planning an event next Summer, called Cotterfest.
"It's going to be held at Buffalo Riverworks," said Endle. "People will have a chance to see the Cotter and win a couple of prizes and maybe win a ride on it."
Anyone looking for more information or to make a donation to the Cotter, can visit their website.
Endle said members of the Conservancy are available to speak to groups to spread the word about the national landmark. You can contact the group through their site.
The Cotter was moored near the Michigan Avenue Lift Bridge at Ohio Street and Michigan Avenue, near the DL&W Terminal.
