Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Albany

•Type: Brig

•Built: Oswego, New York

•Incident Date: Unspecified (wrecked in a gale)

•Location: Near the Straits of Mackinac, Lake Michigan

•Condition: Total Loss due to grounding in a storm; wrecked.

Vessel Type Description

The Albany was a Brig, a type of square-rigged, two-masted sailing vessel commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Brigs like the Albany were designed to handle the frequent and unpredictable conditions on the lakes, with sturdy construction for durability. These vessels were well-suited for bulk cargoes such as lumber and grain, which were essential to the economy of the Great Lakes region.

History

Built in Oswego, New York, the Albany was part of the active fleet of brigs that navigated the Great Lakes, supporting the growth of commerce between key ports. Oswego, known for its shipbuilding industry, produced many vessels that went on to serve in both the cargo and passenger sectors. The Albany would have transported goods between major hubs along the lakes, braving the often severe weather conditions typical of Great Lakes sailing.

Final Disposition

The Albany met its end during a severe gale near the Straits of Mackinac, a critical passage connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. As the storm intensified, the vessel was driven aground, likely onto one of the many rocky shoals in the area. The impact caused significant structural damage, leading to the Albany’s wreck. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the extent of the damage rendered it unsalvageable, and it was left to break apart in the rough waters near the Straits.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently issued for the Albany’s wreck site. However, the Straits of Mackinac are well-known for their challenging navigation conditions, with numerous submerged hazards and strong currents that can affect Visibility and safety for modern-day mariners.

Located By & Date

The approximate location of the Albany was known after it went aground, though no detailed records of a subsequent formal discovery are available. The area near the Straits of Mackinac is known for a number of shipwrecks, and local historians and divers may be familiar with the general site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Albany are likely minimal due to the vessel breaking apart after grounding in a storm. The site, if located, would be of historical interest and may hold some scattered debris. However, given the storm damage and the likelihood of natural sedimentation over the years, any exploration would be challenging, with limited visible remnants of the original structure.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Offers records and resources related to the history of Great Lakes brigs, shipwrecks, and storms.

•Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve: Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve – Provides information on shipwrecks in the area and local diving resources.

Conclusion

The loss of the Albany near the Straits of Mackinac reflects the constant challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the age of sail. The vessel’s grounding and eventual wreck in a gale underscore the hazards faced by brigs and other cargo vessels that traversed this vital yet treacherous passage. Today, the story of the Albany serves as a historical reminder of the perils that came with transporting goods on the unpredictable Great Lakes.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeMichigan #StraitsOfMackinac #Brig #Albany #MaritimeHistory #HistoricalShipwreck #OswegoShipbuilding #19thCenturyShips