Identification & Site Information

• Name: Aldebaran
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 312
• Date Built and Launched: 1852
• Builder: Ketchum, Huron, Ohio
• Measurements: 251 tons
• Date Lost: October 2, 1876
• Place of Loss: Near Amherstburg, Ontario
• Lake: Lake Erie

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Vessel Type:
Wooden Schooner

Description:
The Aldebaran was a wooden Schooner built in 1852 by Ketchum in Huron, Ohio. Schooners like the Aldebaran were common working vessels on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century, designed for transporting bulk cargoes, often navigating the tricky waters of the lakes with ease due to their efficient sail design and sturdy construction. With a tonnage of 251, the Aldebaran was a moderately sized Schooner, primarily used in the transportation of goods such as lumber and railroad ties.

History:
Operating out of Buffalo, New York, the Aldebaran served for over two decades, transporting various cargoes across Lake Erie and beyond. In the fall of 1868, she suffered a significant mishap, sinking off Pointe aux Barques—a dangerous stretch of coastline notorious for claiming vessels due to its treacherous shoals. However, she was salvaged and underwent major repairs in 1869, returning to service afterward.

Her final voyage in 1876 saw her loading railroad ties at Coatsworth’s dock near Amherstburg, Ontario. On October 2, while still at the dock, a sudden gale tore her loose. Despite efforts to control the situation, she was driven ashore approximately 200 yards west of the dock. The Buffalo Tug H.G. Nolton attempted to salvage the vessel, but a powerful sou’wester blew in on October 5, worsening the situation. The Schooner broke apart and was declared a Total Loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

Final Disposition:
The Aldebaran was declared a Total Loss after being driven ashore and breaking up in a storm. The wreck was not recovered and remained near Amherstburg, Ontario.

Located By & Date Found:
No confirmed modern discovery or documentation of the wreck site has been reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories:
No current navigation warnings related to this vessel.

Resources & Links:

• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze’s Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The Aldebaran had a long and active career on Lake Erie, surviving an earlier sinking only to meet her end in a violent storm near Amherstburg in 1876. Despite attempts to save her, the powerful sou’wester that followed sealed her fate. Though her wreck remains unlocated, she is remembered as part of the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

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Keywords: Schooner, Lake Erie, Amherstburg, Storm Wreck, Railroad Ties, Shipwreck, Pointe aux Barques
Categories: Great Lakes Schooners, 19th Century Shipwrecks, Lake Erie Maritime History
Glossary Terms: Sou’wester, Gale, Total Wreck, Salvage Tug