Identification & Site Information:

• Wreck Name: Antares

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Date of Incident: Late 19th century

• Location: Ogden Canal, Lake Erie region (exact coordinates not publicly available)

• Depth: Likely shallow waters due to its location in a canal

• Condition: Unsalvageable, remains submerged as a historical relic

Vessel Type Description:

The Antares was a wooden Schooner built in 1852 by A. Stevens in Cattaraugus, New York. With an estimated length of 80–100 feet and a tonnage of 128 tons, the Schooner was small but robust, designed for the cargo transportation needs of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. It underwent significant repairs in 1869 and 1871 to maintain seaworthiness, reflecting its resilience despite the challenges of age and wear.

History:

Construction and Early Service:

• Built in 1852 and valued at $1,800, the Antares initially served as a reliable cargo vessel on the Great Lakes.

• Operated out of Chicago under ownership of Robinson & others, the Schooner became an integral part of the bustling maritime trade of the region, carrying goods across the lakes.

Operational Challenges:

• The Antares underwent major repairs in 1869 and 1871, signaling its owners’ efforts to keep the aging vessel operational.

• By 1879, it was marked as “not insurable” by Lloyd’s Register, likely due to structural issues, incidents, or its advanced age.

Discrepancies in Records:

Conflicting accounts exist regarding its origins:

• Some records suggest it was built in Cattaraugus, New York, in 1852.

• Others claim construction in Irving, New York, in 1863.

Such discrepancies are not uncommon in historical ship records and add to the intrigue surrounding the vessel.

Final Years and Sinking:

The Antares continued to operate despite its “not insurable” status, a testament to the determination of its crew and owners. However, it eventually sank in the Ogden Canal under unclear circumstances. The lack of attempts to salvage the vessel likely reflected its deteriorated condition and the high costs of such operations at the time.

Final Disposition:

The Antares rests in the Ogden Canal, a submerged relic of Great Lakes maritime history. Its exact location and condition have not been extensively documented, but it remains a symbol of the end of an era for schooners in the region.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. The site is considered a location of historical interest rather than a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date:

The wreck has been known since its sinking in the late 19th century. Detailed surveys and modern exploration of the site remain limited.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The condition of the Antares is presumed to be poor, with its wooden Hull and structure likely deteriorated after over a century submerged. The shallow waters of the Ogden Canal may make it accessible to divers, though the site has not been extensively explored or documented.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessel histories.

2. Lloyd’s Register Records: Historical assessments of ship conditions and insurability.

3. Buffalo Commercial Advertiser Archives: Newspaper accounts of maritime activity in the 19th century.

4. Great Lakes Ships Database: Repository of vessel details and shipwrecks.

Conclusion:

The Antares embodies the spirit and challenges of Great Lakes schooners in the 19th century. Its decades of service, despite being deemed uninsurable in its later years, highlight the risks faced by sailors and shipowners of the time. The vessel’s final resting place in the Ogden Canal serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich maritime history. Conflicting records and the mystery surrounding its final voyage add intrigue to its story, inviting further exploration and study.

Keywords:

#Antares #GreatLakesShipwreck #OgdenCanal #LakeErie #Schooner #Cattaraugus #19thCenturyShipping #MaritimeHistory #UnderwaterExploration

Glossary:

• Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with fore-and-aft rigged sails, widely used for cargo transport in the 19th century.

• Lloyd’s Register: A maritime registry assessing the condition and insurability of vessels.

• Ogden Canal: A waterway connected to Lake Erie, serving regional trade routes during the 19th century.

• Not Insurable: A designation given to vessels deemed too risky for insurance coverage due to age, damage, or operational history.