Identification & Site Information:

• Vessel Name: Amherst Islander (renamed TANTI in 1947)

• Type: Gas Screw Vessel

• Official Number: C154774

• Location: Thompsons Bay, near Howe Island, Ontario

• Coordinates: 44.29911855, -76.2533231

• Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description:

The Amherst Islander was a Gas Screw vessel, a type of utility ship powered by a gasoline engine. Built in 1929 in Collingwood, Ontario, the vessel measured 67 feet (20.4 m) in length, 20 feet (6.1 m) in beam, and had a depth of 6.2 feet (1.9 m). Its design was optimized for short-distance ferrying tasks, primarily transporting passengers and goods between Amherst Island and the mainland. The relatively compact size and efficient engine made it well-suited for Lake Ontario’s calmer waters.

History:

The Amherst Islander was integral to the transportation network around Amherst Island during the early 20th century. For nearly 20 years, it provided reliable service, supporting local communities with its ferrying capabilities. In 1947, the vessel was sold and renamed TANTI, continuing to operate in the region, most likely in waters around Kingston and Amherst Island.

While the details of the vessel’s decommissioning and final days are unclear, its remains now rest in Thompsons Bay near Howe Island. The exact circumstances surrounding its abandonment or sinking remain undocumented, adding an air of mystery to its story.

Final Disposition:

The Amherst Islander’s final resting place is in Thompsons Bay, suggesting it was either scuttled, Abandoned, or sank naturally after its operational life ended. The absence of detailed records leaves its final chapter open to speculation.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck.

• Advisories: As with all dive sites, divers should respect the site and adhere to local regulations when exploring the area.

Located By & Date:

The wreck’s location has been identified through historical and mapping records. However, the specific date of its discovery or formal documentation is not recorded.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The condition of the Amherst Islander wreck is presumed to be poor due to its wooden construction and prolonged exposure to natural decay in Thompsons Bay. While likely deteriorated, the site may still offer exploratory opportunities for divers and historians, particularly those interested in regional maritime history.

Resources & Links:

1. Marine Museum of the Great Lakes: Repository of maritime records and vessel histories.

2. Great Lakes Maritime History: Comprehensive resource on the history of ships in the Great Lakes.

3. Shipwrecks of Ontario: Documentation and exploration of Ontario’s maritime heritage.

4. Historic Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario: A resource for regional underwater archaeology and wreck documentation.

Conclusion:

The Amherst Islander, later renamed TANTI, played a pivotal role in the transportation needs of the Lake Ontario community. It highlights the vital contributions of small utility vessels to the region’s economy and daily life during the early to mid-20th century. Now resting in Thompsons Bay, the wreck provides a tangible connection to the past, reflecting the evolution of maritime transportation and the eventual obsolescence of such vessels in the face of modern demands.

Keywords:

• Amherst Islander

• TANTI

• Thompsons Bay

• Gas Screw Vessel

• Lake Ontario Shipwreck

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Howe Island

• Ferry Service

Glossary:

• Gas Screw Vessel: A type of ship powered by a gasoline engine and a screw propeller.

• Thompsons Bay: A waterway near Howe Island, Ontario, in Lake Ontario.

• Scuttling: The intentional sinking of a ship, often for disposal.