Shipwreck Report: ABBEY (also known as Abby)

Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: ABBEY (also referred to as Abby)
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Date of Incident: October 5, 1851
• Location: Near Black River, Ohio, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not specifically recorded; general vicinity near Black River, Ohio
• Depth: Stranded ashore
• Condition: Wrecked and stranded, likely scattered along the shoreline

Vessel Type Description

The ABBEY was a wooden Schooner constructed in 1847 by Ambrose Morgan in Oswego, New York. It was designed with a Gross Tonnage of 117 tons, optimized for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. As a Schooner, the vessel was versatile, with rigging that allowed it to adapt to various wind conditions, making it a workhorse of 19th-century maritime commerce.

Launched in 1847, the ABBEY operated as a cargo ship under the ownership of H. Matthews, primarily transporting goods between ports in the Great Lakes. Its home port was Oswego, New York, a bustling center of maritime trade during the mid-19th century.

The ABBEY experienced a tumultuous operational history, with significant incidents marking its timeline. On January 1, 1851, the vessel was wrecked near Sodus, New York. Surviving that mishap, it returned to service but met its ultimate fate on October 5, 1851, near Black River, Ohio.

While en route with a cargo of coal, the Schooner encountered a violent storm that forced it ashore. Despite the catastrophic wreck, the crew survived, though the cargo and the vessel were declared total losses. The incident caused an estimated property loss of $3,500, a substantial sum for the time.

Final Disposition

The ABBEY was declared a Total Loss after the storm wrecked it ashore near Black River. Its remains were likely scattered along the shoreline, with minimal prospects for recovery due to the severity of the damage and the time elapsed since the wreck. The cargo of coal was entirely lost.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) linked to the ABBEY’s wreck site. However, Black River remains an area of historical significance for its connection to maritime trade.

Located By & Date

The wreck was documented soon after its loss in 1851. Details of the incident were preserved in casualty lists and contemporary newspaper accounts, such as the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, which reported on the event in early 1852.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreckage of the ABBEY is presumed to be nonexistent or heavily degraded. Natural processes, such as erosion and decomposition, likely dispersed the remains along the shoreline near Black River, Ohio. The site is not suitable for diving or underwater exploration but holds historical value.

Resources & Links

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (January 2, 1852)
• Private papers of Erik Hyle, documenting Great Lakes maritime incidents
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• History of the Great Lakes
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The ABBEY’s story is emblematic of the dangers that schooners faced on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite its sturdy construction and seasoned crew, the Schooner could not withstand the elements, succumbing to a storm that claimed both the vessel and its cargo. Though largely lost to time, the tale of the ABBEY enriches the maritime history of Lake Erie, offering insights into the challenges of trade and navigation during that era.

Keywords #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Schooner #ABBEY #19thCenturyShipping #OhioShipwrecks #CoalTransport #StormDisaster